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How Fractional Virtual Assistants Work

Prialto

Managed virtual assistant services for busy executives and enterprise teams.

发布日期: 2025年2月26日

The modern executive's day is a constant battle for time. Our 2024 Executive Productivity Report puts this challenge into perspective: 53% of executives need help with administrative tasks.??

Yet for many businesses, hiring a full-time executive assistant isn't the answer. Salary and benefits are a hefty investment, and many executives don't need 40 hours of consistent support each week. This is where fractional executive assistants come in — a cost-effective solution that's helping businesses of all sizes get the administrative support they need when they need it most.??

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about fractional executive assistants — what they are, what they do, and how they can elevate your business.??

What is a Fractional Executive Assistant???

A fractional executive assistant is a specialized form of outsourcing. Essentially, it’s an outsourced assistant who manages all of your executive administrative work.???

Typically, fractional EAs work with C-suite executives, VPs, team leads, and entrepreneurs on a part-time basis to support their businesses. They usually work with 2-3 different busy executives, giving them dedicated attention throughout each workday. This is where the term "fractional" comes from – you're getting a fraction of their time rather than a full 40-hour workweek.??

Less hours doesn’t mean less dedicated, though. Fractional executive assistants aren't temporary helpers or your average run-of-the-mill virtual assistants. They are experienced professionals with unique skill sets who build long-term relationships with their clients. Just like an in-house EA would, they get to know your business, understand your preferences, and deliver consistent, high-quality support over time. Many executives work with their fractional assistants for years – the only difference from a full-time assistant being the number of hours worked per week.??

It’s the ideal solution for busy professionals who are overwhelmed with admin work, but don’t need full 40-hour-a-week support.???

Understanding the Vocabulary??

The world of administrative support can feel like alphabet soup. Here’s a quick breakdown of some key vocabulary you’re likely to encounter:??

Business process outsourcing (BPO): Think of this as the big umbrella. It covers everything from executive assistant services to IT support. It's basically any business function you can delegate or outsource to external experts.??

Virtual assistants: These are your digital-age administrative assistants. Working remotely, they can be either full-time or fractional. They're masters of getting things done from anywhere with an internet connection, from calendar management to data entry and more.??

Fractional executive assistants: These are the specialized players in the virtual assistant world. They focus specifically on executive support, bringing high-level expertise to the table on a part-time basis. While they usually work virtually, some fractional executive assistants can work in the office too.??

Your options for outsourcing admin support are as varied as your needs. Some assistants work per task (typically the least engaged option). Some are managed services (like Prialto!) where you get a primary assistant, backup support, and access to an Engagement manager. The option that’s right for your business will depend on your unique business processes and needs.???

Read the rest on the Prialto blog: https://www.prialto.com/blog/fractional-executive-assistants??