What Fractional Talent Has Taught Us About Building Smarter Research Teams 

Over the past few years, we’ve had the privilege of working with organizations navigating all kinds of change: leadership transitions, unexpected surges in demand, shifting priorities, and the ever-present pressure to do more with less. One consistent theme has emerged: fractional insights talent can be a game-changer.   

Not because it replaces full-time researchers. But because it complements them. 

We’ve seen fractional researchers step into high-impact roles with speed, empathy, and precision. Whether they are brought in to lead key innovation or brand strategy initiatives, provide Insights leadership or optimize DIY platforms, they can play a key role in helping teams maintain momentum during critical transitions. And they’ve done it all while working alongside internal teams, to stretch their influence and impact.
   

So, what is fractional talent? 

Fractional insights professionals are seasoned researchers who embed into teams on a flexible, project-based basis. They’re not just temporary workers but strategic partners, who understand the demands of the business. Often former heads of insights or highly experienced research consultants, they bring deep research expertise across methodologies, industries and tools. They work part-time or on-demand, but their contributions are anything but temporary. 
 

“Fractional leadership is the next evolution of the independent contractor economy”

– Sara Daw, Fast Company, July 11, 2025

 

Why it matters now

Marketing research teams are under pressure, with tighter budgets and timelines often competing with higher expectations. It can be hard to anticipate what the next year may bring, and sometimes you just need support now.  Fractional talent helps bridge the gap by offering: 

• • Speed to impact: Pre-vetted professionals can start contributing within days. They quickly grasp business needs and drive results from day one

• • Scalability: Whether covering a leave, leading a strategic initiative, or managing a surge in workload, fractional talent flexes with your needs

• • Cost efficiency: You pay only for the time and expertise you need – no long-term commitment or lengthy hiring processes

• • Strategic enablement: With fractional experts familiar with your methods and tools, they can focus more of their time on helping instill insights and action across your teams to move the business forward 
     

They’re especially valuable when your team is trying to scale insights without compromising depth or rigor. We’ve seen them turn raw data into executive-ready outputs, design unbiased surveys, and bring fresh thinking from outside your category, all while working within your existing tools and workflows.
 

How to prepare your team  

If you’re considering fractional support, here are a few things we’ve learned that help set the stage for success: 

1. 1. Define the role clearly: Log unmet needs over a week to identify where support is needed. Use this to scope the role and match the right skillset

2. 2. Establish communication protocols: Set expectations for check-ins, updates, and feedback. Use collaboration tools to maintain alignment 

3. 3. Integrate cross-functionally: Ensure fractional professionals are looped into the appropriate teams (marketing, product, customer experience, etc.)

4. 4. Interview for fit: Even for short-term roles, cultural fit matters. Look for adaptability and alignment with your team’s style 

5. 5. Provide access and context: Share tools, background materials, and stakeholder introductions to help them hit the ground running 

6. 6. Leverage for capability building: Fractional staff can train internal teams, create research playbooks, and establish governance for DIY platforms
       

Fractional insights talent might be the answer 

Fractional talent isn’t a work-around, it’s a strategic lever. It allows research teams to stay agile, deepen their insights, and build internal capabilities without overextending resources.

Full-time researchers are the backbone of any insights team. Fractional talent simply helps them go further, faster.  If your team is thinking about how to balance speed and depth, fractional talent might be the answer. 

For further insight into the value of fractional talent and how it could support your team, please reach out. We’re always happy to share what we’ve learned, explore your team’s needs, or just talk shop about the future of insights!    

contact@SIVOInsights.com