workacross

Work across is a term used in organizational management to describe the practice of coordinating and performing work that spans multiple teams, departments, or geographies to achieve shared objectives. It emphasizes cross-functional collaboration, integration of diverse skills, and alignment of priorities beyond a single silo.

In practice, work across occurs in matrix organizations, product development, digital transformation, and large-scale programs where success depends on coordinated effort from marketing, engineering, operations, finance, and other functions. It is often contrasted with linear, siloed workflows and requires explicit governance and shared goals.

Key practices include establishing a common objective and performance metrics (such as OKRs), forming cross-functional teams with clearly defined roles (sometimes using a RACI model), instituting regular cross-team meetings and reviews, and using integrated collaboration tools and shared roadmaps. Effective work across also relies on transparent decision rights, escalation paths, and knowledge management to prevent information bottlenecks.

Benefits can include faster delivery, better alignment with customer needs, more robust risk management, and increased innovation thanks to diverse perspectives. Common challenges include competing priorities, ambiguity around accountability, cultural resistance, and distances between teams or geographies.

The concept is related to cross-functional collaboration, matrix management, agile product development, and program management. Its success depends on leadership support, clear governance, and a culture that rewards collaboration and information sharing.