A Week in the Life of a Fractional HR Partner: Strategy, People, and Everyday Wins

This week has been a whirlwind. The kind that reminds me to pause, take a breath, and celebrate the wins (big and small). Because progress in HR — and in business — often happens in those everyday moments.

Here’s a peek behind the curtain at what a week in the life of a Fractional HR Partner looks like:

💼 Client Work: Strategy Meets People

No two days ever look the same in this work — and that’s what I love about it. This week, I:

• Onboarded a new client and helped navigate a delicate performance management situation — including supporting an employee returning from disability leave with care and clarity.

• Started planning a client’s Christmas party. We’re intentional about the time spent together, alternating years between including partners, kids, and keeping it to just the core team. They’re a fun group, and it’s always about connection over perfection.

• Advised clients on upcoming Ontario legislation changes, especially the new salary range requirements for small businesses.

• Facilitated vision sessions for a client’s networking group — helping map out meaningful goals for the year ahead.

• Developed a strategic hiring plan for a construction company, combining roles for efficiency while making sure the workload stays sustainable.

• Prepared a pitch to partner with an internal HR Director — showing how an external perspective can bring clarity, confidence, and unbiased support to HR decision-making. Because sometimes we all just need to get out of our own heads.

☕ Community & Relationship Building

From coffee chats to walking meetings, I spent time this week connecting with people — not just to talk business, but to listen, learn, and build trust. Whether those relationships lead to clients or simply great conversations, I’m always grateful for the stories and perspectives people share. 🫶

💡 Volunteer Work

Our CYP Committee (Chamber Young Professionals) launched on LinkedIn this week, and we’re already planning our next “45 Questions” event in November. Getting people together to connect, learn, and share ideas is one of my favourite ways to give back.

🚨 Strategic Support & Crisis Management

HR is not always about the celebrations — sometimes it’s about managing the tough moments with calm and confidence. This week, I helped a client handle a data breach after an employee resigned and accessed member emails. We crafted a professional, transparent responses to both the employee and to affected members and demonstrated strong, values-based leadership in the process.

It’s something I always remind clients of:

Would you be comfortable with this being splashed across social media?
If not, we take the opportunity to do better.

✍️ Everyday Magic

Endless emails? Always.
But each one is a chance to help a manager communicate clearly, professionally, and compassionately — the trifecta that builds trust and reduces conflict.

🧠 A Note to Fellow Leaders

If you’re facing tricky people situations, need a clear HR strategy, or just want a sounding board — reach out. You don’t have to go at it alone.

My best productivity hack? Never miss a workout — they’re already booked in my calendar. Movement keeps my mind clear and my energy grounded.

And today? I’m closing the laptop and heading off on a field trip with my kiddo. Because balance matters just as much as strategy. ✌️