The new normal: Fractional expertise in the modern workplace

When I first started talking to businesses about fractional expertise, I could sense the skepticism. And honestly, I don’t blame them. For decades, we’ve all been conditioned to believe that the only way to access top-tier talent is through full-time, in-house hires.?

But I’ve had the privilege of being part of this change from the ground up.

Let me explain: fractional expertise is not just a trend—it’s a revolution in how businesses think about talent.?

You may have heard whispers that it’s “just another gig economy buzzword.” But after years of seeing how this model has evolved and delivered real results, I can confidently say it’s here to stay.

Why? Because businesses are getting smarter about their needs.?

Why commit to a full-time hire for expertise you only need occasionally??

Why onboard someone when you could just as easily bring in a highly specialized expert for a fraction of the time, without the overhead??

This is the reality of today’s economy.

At OpenGrowth, we’ve worked with companies who once believed they needed a full-time CMO or CFO, only to realize that fractional roles could fill those gaps more effectively—and cost-efficiently.?

The ROI isn’t just theoretical! We’ve seen businesses save up to 40% in hiring costs without sacrificing the quality of the talent they bring in.

Is flexibility in the equation?

I remember when flexibility in the workplace was considered a “perk.” Now, it’s a non-negotiable.?

Whether it’s remote work, flexible hours, or the ability to scale up and down based on project needs, businesses are demanding more freedom—and fractional expertise delivers that in spades.

When we first started offering fractional expertise at OpenGrowth, we knew this would resonate with companies feeling the weight of fluctuating economic conditions.?

What we didn’t fully anticipate was just how quickly even larger, more traditional businesses would adopt the model. From tech to finance, companies that once relied on full-time hires for every need are now opting for fractional experts to solve specific problems.

I’ve seen first-hand how fractional expertise can allow businesses to scale faster and react to changes in the market more dynamically.?

It’s exciting and a little humbling to watch the lightbulb go on for businesses that were initially skeptical.

Why specialized talent?

We live in an era where specialization is gold. Generalists are still important, but when it comes to complex challenges, businesses need laser-focused expertise.?

And that’s exactly what fractional experts offer.

In the early days of OpenGrowth, we had to do a lot of explaining—convincing businesses that bringing in a fractional expert doesn’t mean they’re getting someone less capable than a full-timer.?

It’s quite the opposite.?

Our experts are professionals who’ve been in the trenches and know exactly how to tackle industry-specific challenges. They don’t waste time, they don’t need hand-holding, and they don’t come with the same long-term baggage of a full-time hire.

On the other hand, the rise of remote work has been one of the biggest catalysts for fractional expertise.?

I still remember the days when businesses were adamant that their team had to be in-office, 9-to-5. Fast forward to today, and we’re in a world where talent can be sourced from anywhere, and working across time zones is the norm.

At OpenGrowth, we’ve seen a surge in demand for international fractional experts—professionals who bring a fresh perspective, often grounded in unique industry experiences from across the globe.?

It’s one of the many perks of welcoming this flexible work model.

Focusing on results and not titles??

This is a huge aspect for me. Far too often, businesses are caught up in titles—VP this, Senior Manager that. But here’s the thing: titles don’t matter as much as impact does.?

What fractional expertise has shown us is that businesses don’t need someone with a fancy title to get results, they need someone who delivers.

At OpenGrowth, we’ve built our reputation on results. Our clients come to us not because we offer the flashiest executives, but because we connect them with experts who roll up their sleeves and get the job done.?

They don’t care what the title on their LinkedIn profile says. They care about solving problems and driving business growth.

One of the most rewarding parts of this journey has been watching businesses shift their mindset—realizing that they can achieve the same (if not better) outcomes by hiring fractional experts, often for a fraction of the cost.

What’s next for fractional expertise???

Looking ahead, I’m convinced we’re only scratching the surface of what fractional expertise can offer. As more industries rely on this model, I believe we’ll see even more creative uses of fractional talent.?

It’s about growth, reliance, connections, and flexibility. At OpenGrowth , we’re proud to be part of this movement, and I can’t wait to see how it continues to evolve.

Contact our fractional executives here !

And if you’re interested in my journey, here’s my previous newsletter: Fractional expertise: Is it a fad?

Until then,

Cheers!

Akriti Verma,?

Co-founder, OpenGrowth