In what ways can companies encourage and foster a culture of cross-departmental collaboration and innovation outside of formal meetings, and how can they ensure that this collaboration is sustained over time?

Companies can encourage cross-departmental collaboration and innovation by implementing open communication channels, providing opportunities for employees to work on cross-functional projects, and fostering a culture of trust and respect among teams. They can ensure sustained collaboration by recognizing and rewarding collaborative efforts, creating a supportive environment for experimentation and risk-taking, and regularly reviewing and adjusting collaboration processes based on feedback from employees. Additionally, promoting a shared vision and common goals across departments can help maintain a culture of collaboration and innovation over time.