What does “cross-training” refer to in a workplace setting?

Cross-training in a workplace setting involves training employees to take on various roles or responsibilities beyond their primary job functions. This approach enhances the versatility of the workforce, as employees gain a broader skill set, which can be beneficial in supporting team collaboration and covering for one another during absences or high-demand periods.

By enabling employees to understand and perform multiple tasks, cross-training can lead to improved teamwork and communication, as team members appreciate each other's roles and challenges. It also increases operational efficiency and can boost employee morale and engagement, as staff members feel more empowered and capable.

The other options do not capture the concept of cross-training effectively. Providing training only relevant to an employee's primary job role limits the employee's skill set and does not promote versatility. A method of performance appraisal involving multiple departments is unrelated to the concept of training employees in various roles. Finally, focusing solely on leadership skills pertains to a narrower scope of training than what cross-training encompasses, which includes a wider range of functional tasks across the workplace.