The economy is often volatile, sending ripples of turmoil across many sectors. On the last business day of December 2024, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 7.6 million vacant roles. And though the total nonfarm payroll employment rose by 143,000 this January, long-term unemployment remains a significant issue, with people who have been jobless for 27 weeks or more accounting for approximately 21.1% of all unemployed Americans. **Due to economic challenges—such as reduced hours or difficulty finding full-time work—**nearly 4.5 million individuals turned to part-time employment as a potential temporary solution.

Unemployment, however, is only one side of the coin, and businesses are facing their own considerable challenges. Around 69% of companies report struggling to find skilled workers, whether in healthcare, IT, or white-collar jobs. Amidst this uncertain economy, combined with the high average cost of onboarding just one employee (around $4,700), firms often can’t take the financial risks that onboarding typically entails.

For any business, C-suite employees with significant expertise, talent, and strong drive can become a lifeline during challenging times. But with the average time to fill a CEO or CXO position reaching as long as 12 months, it is clear that employers are in urgent need of alternative practices.

According to Lance LeFort, founder of LeFort Talent Group with more than 20 years of experience in supporting companies through every stage of their growth, the solution may be hiding in plain sight: fractional work. Throughout his career, LeFort has witnessed the landscape change firsthand, now tapping into his extensive knowledge and business understanding to bridge the two struggling sides of the workforce.

“If your progress has been kept on hold, the last thing you want to do is put your head in the sand and ignore the chaos happening all around you,” he stresses. “Unfortunately, too many businesses have failed recently, and too many people have been left without income for far too long. Why are we acting like there isn’t a better answer that, in today’s economy, could make the most sense?”

Whether your senior management team is missing a skilled CXO or your startup needs a seasoned leader, LeFort Talent Group aims to fill this organizational void by scouring thousands of applicants, finding the right fit, and integrating experts within your company structure – for one, two, or as many days as you can afford. “It’s not like businesses don’t want to grow and hire new talent,” he adds. “They just can’t make those long-term decisions right now. But what if you could have that expertise and tailored advice one or two days a week? It’s a shift from conventions, but it could make sense.”

For a fraction of the cost, companies that leverage fractional work may bring high-level executives on board and navigate the choppy waters with skilled, targeted consulting. This approach also enables owners to see how fruitful a collaboration is before signing a full-time contract. “Why jump into a marriage when you can date first? That isn’t to say it won’t be a long-lasting relationship, but give yourself the chance to figure this out first (this works for both parties). It’s a practical strategy that can significantly mitigate financial risks, and that’s what businesses need now.”

For displaced employees, on the other hand, fractional work can be an opportunity to get their foot back through the door. Though a shorter working week is far from full employment, it can help job-seekers make a living, pay off bills, and care for their families’ livelihoods. This part-time agreement also reduces the risk of committing to a company that later doesn’t meet an employee’s expectations. With no notice periods, resignation forms, and bureaucratic complexities, moving on to your next chapter can be a lot more streamlined.

Perhaps the most notable advantage of fractional work for individuals is how it can support entrepreneurial efforts. By working for only two or three days, employees may expand their portfolios and work with various clients simultaneously. “This freelancing nature can unlock more freedom, and you’re in control of who you give your time and expertise to,” shares LeFort. As he highlights, it also can support a work-life balance: “Today, too many people put up with harmful office politics to maintain stability. With fractional work, this is often far less of a concern.”

While many are dreaming of entrepreneurship, fractional work, rooted in similar principles, offers a more accessible gateway into this world.

With a uniquely diverse portfolio, LeFort Talent Group has helped thousands of businesses with Executive Search, Recruitment, Strategic Planning, HR, Sales, Operations, and more. Whether your goals are to scale up, scale down, prepare for M&A, or reorganize, LeFort Talent Group partners with your objectives to drive measurable growth. Through a targeted, straight-to-the-point approach, the company’s close rate for filling executive roles within the first 6 weeks of business is reportedly much higher than the industry standard, according to LeFort.

At a time when businesses can’t predict what tomorrow will look like, let alone next month or next year, companies often operate with substantially fewer managers than they need to perform, never mind thrive. LeFort Talent Group, led by industry veteran Lance LeFort, is determined to make a difference for both businesses and those seeking their next management role. Through innovative solutions, the company aims to shatter the status quo, ensuring that businesses and individuals can sail through even the most stormy waters.

Media Contact
Name: Lance LeFort
Email: hello@leforttalentgroup.com

Published by Stephanie M.