How to Build Cross-Functional Relationships in Remote and Hybrid Workplaces

In today’s changing work world, especially after COVID, more companies in India are allowing people to work from home or follow a hybrid model — where some days are at home and some in office. While this gives comfort and saves travel time, it also brings one big problem: how to work well with people from other departments. These are called cross-functional relationships.

This article by Career Builders will help you understand what cross-functional relationships are, why they matter in remote or hybrid jobs, what challenges come up, and how to manage them in simple steps.

What Are Cross-Functional Relationships?

Let’s say you work in the marketing team. But to complete your campaign, you also need help from the design team, the product team, and maybe even the sales team. You are not all in the same team, but you work together for one goal. That’s a cross-functional relationship.

These relationships are very common now because every project involves many departments. In an office, people can meet, talk, and clear doubts easily. But when people are working from different places, such collaboration becomes harder.

Why Are These Relationships Important?

In any company, success comes from teamwork. No single department can do everything. When people from different areas work together properly, projects move faster, problems are solved quicker, and the company benefits.

Even for your career, having strong connections with people across teams can help in future promotions, transfers, or job opportunities. Career Builders always advises professionals to not only focus on their own team but also build healthy working relationships across the office.

The New Problem: Remote and Hybrid Work

Remote and hybrid work has changed how we interact. You may not meet many people unless there’s a meeting. Earlier, you could just walk to someone’s desk and ask for help. Now, it’s mostly emails, chats, and video calls.

Some common problems faced in this setup:

• Less Personal Connection: You don’t see people every day, so it’s harder to build trust.
• Misunderstanding: Messages or emails may be read in the wrong tone.
• Different Work Styles: Not every department works the same way, and remote setups make it harder to adjust.
• Feeling Left Out: People may feel ignored or disconnected if they are not included properly in discussions.

How to Build Good Cross-Functional Relationships?

This may sound like a big challenge, but don’t worry. There are simple steps to make it better.

1. Communicate Regularly

Send short updates on your progress. Ask questions when in doubt. Don’t wait for weekly meetings. A small message on Teams or WhatsApp can keep things moving. Even a simple “Do you need any help from my side?” can make a big difference.

2. Use the Right Tools

Use shared platforms like Google Docs, Trello, Notion, or Microsoft Teams. These tools let everyone see updates, changes, and tasks in one place. It avoids confusion and reduces long email chains.

3. Set Common Goals

Make sure everyone understands what the main goal of the project is. When every department knows the bigger picture, it’s easier to work together. Remind each other about the final target.

4. Respect Time and Schedules

In remote setups, not everyone works at the same time. Some may start early, some may log in late. So, before setting up meetings, check availability. Try to avoid last-minute calls unless urgent.

5. Share Credit and Celebrate Together

When a project is done well, give credit to all teams involved. A small “Thank you to the design team” in a group message can motivate others to work better. You can also plan small virtual celebrations after completing a task.

Building Trust Takes Time

People don’t trust each other overnight. Especially when you are not meeting face-to-face, it takes time to understand how someone works. But when you keep showing respect, listening properly, and helping others, trust builds automatically.

Even small things like replying to messages on time or keeping your word helps in building a good name for yourself.

What Can Managers Do?

Team leaders and project heads play a key role. They should:

• Encourage team members to connect with people outside their department.
• Make sure everyone is included in meetings and important conversations.
• Avoid blaming anyone team if something goes wrong. Focus on solving the issue.
• Arrange virtual team-building activities every few weeks.

At Career Builders, we always tell managers that happy teams do better work. And happy teams are made when people feel heard and supported.

Final Thoughts

Work-from-home and hybrid models are here to stay. So, building cross-functional relationships is no longer an extra task. It is part of everyday work.

Good communication, regular check-ins, respect for others’ time, and a helpful attitude are key to making these relationships strong. It doesn’t take big actions — just small steps done regularly.

Whether you are new to a company or have been working there for years, always remember that people outside your team can be just as helpful for your career.

Want more simple and useful advice like this? Head over to Career Builders for tips that suit the Indian work life. You’ll find career help that’s easy to follow and made for you.

Keep checking Career Builders for real-world career tips that work, especially in today’s changing job world.