Uhrenholt

Hilde R. Sonnichsen

With the changes the world has faced in the last couple of years, volatility is a hot topic these days. The world is subject to more changes than ever, but how should companies tackle the change?

It is all about cross-collaboration and the joy of winning together!

Hack Future Lab is a company advising governments and businesses on emerging trends in the future of work. They say that volatility is in fact not the biggest threat in organizations - it is the lack of cross-functional collaboration. This is the biggest barrier to getting work done more efficiently. And in an unstable world, speed and efficiency are extremely important.

Therefore, strong cross-functional collaboration is a strategic focus area for Uhrenholt and for me in my role as CHRO of Uhrenholt. At Uhrenholt, we have always strived to minimize bureaucracy and maximize each employee's empowerment, as this is an essential prerequisite for our business based on market-driven food solutions.

But why do we find cross-collaboration very important?

In today's dynamic and interconnected business environment, companies are increasingly recognizing the value of cross-functional collaboration as a catalyst for success. Gone are the days of siloed departments working in isolation; the key to unlocking true potential lies in fostering collaboration across different teams and disciplines.

Furthermore, the traditional hierarchical organizational structure, characterized by rigid top-down decision-making, centralized authority, and a focus on bureaucracy, is increasingly being challenged by the need for fast decision-making.

At Uhrenholt, we have recently mapped the internal collaboration through a network analysis tool. The analysis shows that we have a flat organization with no obvious signs of silo mentality. In fact, there is a lot of interaction between people (both managers and employees directly), and also across continents. So, by having a minimum of bureaucracy we have strong collaboration across different departments.

Empower your employees and make them happy!

In traditional hierarchical structures, decision-making can be slow and cumbersome, as approvals often need to pass through several levels of management. Cross-functional teams, on the other hand, empower employees to make faster decisions at the point of action. This agility is especially valuable in fast-paced industries where swift responses are critical to staying competitive.

I truly believe that empowering employees to make decisions and take ownership of their work boosts their morale and engagement. Engaged employees are more likely to go the extra mile, leading to higher productivity and improved performance.

" Volatility is in fact not the biggest threat in organizations - it is the lack of cross-functional collaboration "

Furthermore, I have experienced how strong cross-functional collaboration positively impacts the organization’s performance and expedites the decision-making process. When employees are empowered to make decisions and are encouraged to take a customer-centric approach, they can deliver better customer experiences. Satisfied customers lead to increased loyalty, positive word-of-mouth, and ultimately, improved organizational performance.

The benefits of having strong cross-functional collaboration:

● Cross-functional teams pool together a wide range of expertise and skills. Each team member brings their unique knowledge and background to the table, resulting in comprehensive problem-solving and a more thorough understanding of complex issues.

● Collaborating across different functions encourages creativity and out-of-the-box thinking. When employees with varied backgrounds collaborate, they spark new ideas and solutions that might not have emerged in isolation.

● Cross-functional collaboration enhances the communication channels within the company. Teams learn to understand and respect each other's perspectives, leading to more effective communication and reduced misunderstandings. As a result, information flows more smoothly, enabling faster coordination and problem resolution.

● Working together on cross-functional projects fosters a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect among team members.

All of the above combined will also make your organization more attractive to top talent. The opportunity to work in a collaborative, innovative, and empowering environment appeals to professionals seeking meaningful and fulfilling work experiences. Additionally, a culture of empowerment and inclusivity fosters higher employee retention rates, reducing the costs and disruptions associated with high turnover.

It is all about the joy of winning together!