Relieving HR Strain with Fractional HR Support

In the 2025 Evolving Workplace Survey, 48 percent of respondents have adjusted their strategic projects for the year in some capacity. This shift in priorities is putting pressure on already stressed teams and highlights a growing concern among HR professionals about burnout and overwhelming workloads.

This strain is further compounded by staffing shortages and insufficient budgets, with many participants citing the challenge of balancing heavy workloads while lacking necessary tools and leadership support. As organizations increasingly demand more from HR teams, even those that comprise one person, the rate of change may make it challenging for them to meet demands.

The Growing Pressures on HR Teams

HR professionals are often the unsung heroes of an organization, managing a wide array of responsibilities that are crucial to the smooth operation of the business. From handling payroll and ensuring compliance with ever-changing regulations to recruiting top talent and fostering a positive workplace culture, the scope of their duties is vast. However, the increasing demands placed on HR teams are leading to significant challenges:

1. Burnout and Overwhelming Workloads: HR professionals are tasked with not only driving their own initiatives and projects but also supporting the broader organizational goals. It's no wonder that HR teams are feeling overwhelmed. Current trends indicate that this overwhelming workload is contributing to burnout and decreased productivity among HR professionals.
2. Staffing Shortages: With insufficient staff to share the workload, HR teams are often stretched thin, making it difficult to meet the needs of the organization, especially when those needs change rapidly.
3. Insufficient Resources: HR’s challenges might range from insufficient technology tools to limited budgets – and lack of specialized expertise might make it difficult to implement changes that would have a positive impact.
4. Lack of Leadership Support: Without strong support from leadership, HR teams may struggle to advocate for the resources and changes they need to succeed.

Applying HR Help Where It’s Needed

Given these pressures, many organizations are turning to fresh approaches such as HR Business Partners or Fractional HR as a viable solution to support their HR teams. Outsourcing HR projects or responsibilities using this model can provide several benefits:

1. Access to Expertise: Leveraging HR Business Partners allows organizations to tap into specialized expertise that may not be available in-house. This can be particularly valuable for complex tasks such as HRIS implementations or strategic recruitment.
2. Cost Efficiency: By using a fractional HR approach for certain functions, organizations can often reduce costs associated with hiring and training additional staff, while getting the help they need where they need it.
3. Scalability: Finding an external HR partner provides organizations with the flexibility to scale services up or down based on their needs, ensuring that HR teams are not overwhelmed during peak periods, or when there might be a temporary staffing shortage.
4. Focus on Core Activities: By delegating time-consuming tasks or specialized projects to external providers, HR professionals can focus on strategic initiatives that drive business growth and employee engagement.

As the workplace continues to evolve, the pressures on HR teams are unlikely to diminish. However, by considering outsourcing as a strategic option, organizations can alleviate some of the burdens on their HR departments, allowing them to operate more efficiently and effectively. This approach not only helps in managing workloads but also ensures that HR professionals have the support they need to thrive in their roles.

If you need support to help your team thrive, MRA has HR experts ready to assist you. Whether it’s supporting a project or supporting your team, our flexible engagement model is scalable to your business needs. Learn more about MRA’s HR Services.