If you’ve ever played sports, you understand the advantages of cross-training. I’m an amateur runner, but I also regularly engage in strength training and hiking. Sometimes I even take a few laps around a pool. Why? Because the muscles are used differently in each type of training, the effectiveness of one method makes up for anything lacking from the other methods.
The result? My performance in running gets better overall.
The same is true with upskilling employees in the business world. When trained to do only one job, “non-essential” but valuable skills can be overlooked.
So, how do you cross-train at work? Cross-departmental job shadowing is one good method. Below, we will discuss what job shadowing is, they look at five ways it can benefit employees at your place of business.
Job Shadowing—Not Just for Interns
When you think of job shadowing, you probably look back to high school or university assignments in which you followed a professional around for a day to determine whether their job was right for you. Or you might recall an internship or residency that helped you ease into the career you now hold.
But job shadowing isn’t just for “newbies” learning the ropes. You can set up shadowing between the departments of larger businesses. The format of the activity is similar to student job shadowing—the “shadow” will accompany their partner for a set period of time, observing their tasks and interactions with colleagues. They’ll have the chance to ask questions and maybe receive some hands-on training.
This type of training is virtually cost-free, as no teachers must be hired or classes, class materials, or subscriptions paid for.
Benefits of Cross-Departmental Job Shadowing
The benefits of an internal job-shadowing program can be immense. Below are just a few of the benefits.
Employee Upskilling
While shadowing, each employee will be exposed to the tools and methodologies used in other departments. They may be able to adapt some of these to their current assignments, or it may spark an interest in exploring a new skill path.
Since it is less expensive to “grow your own” candidate to fill an opening as opposed to finding and training a new hire, identifying internal career development opportunities can be beneficial to the organization’s bottom line.
New skills also mean increased relevance and confidence for the employees themselves. Remember, you can describe shadowing experience in much the same way as you would any other work experience. In fact, you can include a bullet point in your work experience description saying, “Shadowed with [department name], mastering tasks such as…” This isn’t just a boon for new job applications, but for internal promotions, too.
Empathy and Collaboration
Have you ever dealt with a team frustrated that an adjacent team was slow to finish their portion of a collaborative project? Maybe employees couldn’t understand why the approval processes take so long or why approval is not always granted.
Cross-departmental shadowing can enhance employees’ “big picture” view of company operations. It can also enhance empathy for other department members when their daily task load is better understood. According to the Center for Creative Leadership, empathy in the workplace is equated with “more effective communication and positive outcomes.”
Employees are often more willing to collaborate with people they know and have a relationship with. Shadowing can break down barriers, creating networking contacts throughout the company. The results can be quicker and friendlier communication and teamwork.
Innovation
New knowledge leads to new ways of thinking about things—even common, everyday tasks. The cross-pollination of skills and ideas can increase creativity and the likelihood of innovative solutions. The benefits may be reaped in a better product or enhanced customer service.
Better Leaders
Through shadowing programs, aspiring leaders can observe the leadership skills, methods, styles, and practices of other experienced professionals. They can learn skills such as conflict resolution methods, motivational strategies, and communication techniques. In this way, they will be better prepared for leadership opportunities within the organization.
Enhanced Engagement and Retention Rates
According to the Pew Research Center, “no opportunities for advancement” was cited as one of the top three reasons why employees leave their jobs. As noted above, cross-departmental shadowing provides opportunities for employees to shift from one department to another, advancing as positions open. This also provides an engaging sense of purpose and challenge.
Forbes reports that lifelong learning is “a sure path to happiness.” Continuous education has been observed to jump start resilience and motivation, increase self-confidence, and broaden one’s perspective.
Key Takeaways
Cross-departmental job shadowing is an inexpensive and effective tool employers can use to enhance the employee experience. Individual employees will gain confidence along with their new skills. Leadership, communication, and collaboration within and between departments will be enhanced. Employees will be more engaged and may identify paths for internal advancement, benefiting both themselves and the company at large.
