How to foster collaboration across cultures

Illustration of three professionals collaborating remotely across a globe, representing teamwork and collaboration across cultures.

In 2026, work rarely happens in one place. A project might include colleagues in different countries, time zones, and cultures. When people find ways to connect across those differences, collaboration becomes richer. New ideas surface, perspectives widen, and work moves forward with a broader view.

Collaboration across cultures doesn't happen by accident. It takes intention. Teams need the right tools, shared norms, and space to learn from one another. When it works, the payoff is huge. Diverse perspectives lead to better ideas, stronger relationships, and teams that can tackle complex challenges together.

This month, we are highlighting teams that are making cross-cultural collaboration work. From global meetings and cultural intelligence training to employee groups that build connection, these workplaces show how teams can bridge distance, respect differences, and build trust across cultures.

Cummins

Collaboration at Cummins goes beyond location and time zones. Teams connect through global virtual meetings, inclusive Zoom events, and cross-region workshops designed to bring diverse perspectives together. Hybrid-friendly team-building activities, cultural awareness moments and employee resource groups help foster connection and understanding across regions. Digital collaboration tools enable seamless communication for in-person and remote employees alike, while flexible work practices ensure everyone has a voice. By intentionally creating shared spaces for learning, dialogue and teamwork, Cummins strengthens collaboration across cultures and builds a more connected global workforce.

Learn more about Cummins.

SoftwareOne

At SoftwareOne, collaboration knows no borders. We intentionally connect teams across cultures and time zones through inclusive ways of working, shared goals, and modern collaboration tools. Whether colleagues are working side by side, fully remote, or on opposite sides of the world, we create space for connection through global projects, virtual events, and targeted L&D initiatives that foster understanding. Specifically, our Cultural Intelligence workshops help employees gain a deeper understanding of cultural differences, and how they might impact interactions with colleagues and customers from diverse backgrounds. By valuing diverse perspectives and encouraging open communication, we bring our people together to learn from one another and deliver stronger outcomes together, everywhere.

Learn more about SoftwareOne.

Stryker

Stryker is a global leader in medical technologies and, together with our customers, we are driven to make healthcare better.

With over 53,000 employees across 75 countries, our teams impact more than 150 million patients each year. That reach is powered by connection. Our four flexible work models give you the freedom to collaborate across countries, regions and time zones while staying close to your team and the people you serve.

Wherever you’re based, you’re part of something bigger. You’ll work alongside passionate people, solve real healthcare challenges and help deliver meaningful outcomes for patients around the world.

Stryker employees standing together in a warehouse facility with hospital beds, wearing yellow Stryker shirts and raising their hands, representing teamwork and collaboration across teams.

Learn more about Stryker.

Zillow

Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) at Zillow support our commitment to creating an equitable workplace for all. These employee-led groups create spaces to share common interests, build trust, and develop relationships, while also creating leadership and professional development opportunities for members. They are open to any employee who supports the group’s initiatives, whether as a self-identified member or an ally.


Learn more about Zillow.

Shure

Shure’s global workplace philosophy is centered on flexibility, agility, community, trust, and production. With Associates located around the world, we work hard to support the interpersonal and cultural needs of all teams while upholding our commitment to quality.

To keep teams connected, we host periodic Core Weeks that bring remote Associates together in person to strengthen relationships and advance key projects. Shure’s culture also emphasizes respect and inclusion, supported by global Associate Resource Group events that celebrate regional traditions and offer learning opportunities focused on collaboration and cross‑cultural engagement. And because our teams work across multiple time zones, we rotate meeting schedules to ensure inclusivity while using virtual collaboration tools to stay connected.

These intentional practices demonstrate how a company with 100 years of history remains agile, connected, and focused on what matters — our people.

Promotional graphic from Shure reading \u201cLouder Together Anywhere,\u201d featuring a microphone, colorful hands reaching toward a globe, and messaging about global collaboration and careers at Shure.

Learn more about Shure.

Nestlé

At Nestlé, we build strong cross‑cultural collaboration by creating inclusive communities that connect employees across regions and backgrounds. Our Employee Resource Groups foster shared experiences and professional development, helping teams form meaningful relationships no matter where they’re located. We also prioritize an inclusive, collaborative culture that empowers bold thinking and continuous learning across distributed teams. Through national ERG programming and cross‑team initiatives, employees regularly exchange ideas, strengthen cultural understanding, and stay connected—ensuring everyone can contribute, grow, and thrive together.

Employees at Nestl\u00e9 connect and chat in a bright office kitchen area, sharing coffee and conversation in a casual workplace setting.

Learn more about Nestlé.
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