Side by side
| HR outsourcing firm | Fractional HR (FlexHR) | |
|---|---|---|
| Who does the work | Rotating generalists | One named senior executive |
| Model | Hours bank or per-employee subscription | Flat monthly retainer or fixed-price project |
| Strength | Volume of routine questions and admin | Strategy, comp, performance, sensitive decisions |
| Accountability | Answers questions | Owns the people plan and outcomes |
Which to choose
If you mostly need policy answers and paperwork, an outsourcing firm or your PEO's HR desk may be enough. If you need someone to design comp, fix performance management, lead hiring or handle a restructure, you need a senior leader.
Questions to ask any HR provider
- Who exactly will do the work, and have they led HR at a company our size and stage?
- Will the same person be there in six months?
- How is pricing structured, and what happens when we need more hours?
- What do we own at the end: documents, systems, processes?
- How do you work with our payroll provider or PEO and our employment counsel?
Where FlexHR fits
FlexHR is one senior operator, Mona Dhillon, working directly with founders and managers on retainers from $4,000 per month or fixed-price projects from $7,500. Everything built during the engagement (handbook, comp bands, leveling, hiring process) stays with you.
Frequently asked questions
Is fractional HR more expensive than an HR agency?
Per hour it's usually higher; per outcome it's often lower, because one senior person makes decisions faster and doesn't need to be re-briefed.