How fractional work is helping mothers thrive in corporate America

Nina Sodhi cherished the summer trip she took with her young son around the world while working as a fractional Chief Financial Officer (CFO). This aligns with a trend of mothers opting for fractional work, rather than full-time jobs, to better balance their responsibilities as mothers. Fractional work allows a part-time engagement for part of the pay, often with multiple companies simultaneously.

The rise of fractional work comes at a time when the relationship between corporate America and working mothers is strained, with mothers facing difficulties such as a childcare crisis, escalating costs, and conflicts between work and family schedules. Companies are grappling with instability caused by war, tariffs, and artificial intelligence.

Fractional work offers several benefits for both mothers and companies. For corporations, fractional workers often cost less than full-time employees, with variable costs instead of fixed. Additionally, fractional talent tends to be experienced and require minimal supervision. Companies use fractional talent to support growing business units, bridge employee absences, or retain departing staff part-time.

Mothers prefer fractional work over full-time employment due to the flexibility it provides. They gain control over their schedules, ensuring availability for school events, appointments, and parental leave. Furthermore, fractional roles allow mothers to tailor their workload according to their family needs, adjusting their commitment as their children grow. This flexibility enables mothers like Sodhi to take time off for vacations and strategic business sprints without sacrificing their parental responsibilities.

In terms of financial benefits, mothers find that fractional work often pays more than full-time jobs. Fractional workers typically earn higher hourly rates, and benefits are not factored into the calculation as they are in full-time employment. Some even receive equity in the companies they work with, providing an additional financial upside.

Lastly, mothers report higher job satisfaction due to the nature of the work itself. Fractional roles allow mothers to choose their clients and the nature of their tasks, limit internal processes, and focus on high-impact work. Fractional roles also offer a transition from being an employee to running their own business, which appeals to entrepreneurial mothers who desire more agency in their careers.

However, fractional work does come with limitations, such as lack of health insurance, income predictability, and paid time off, prompting some mothers to prefer full-time employment. Nonetheless, for mothers seeking greater control and flexibility, fractional work provides a viable alternative.