This is what you should try to avoid. Maybe it's a copy editor or copy desk chief who needs Macintosh skills. One business copy editor swapped jobs with a p.m. news editor. By working different hours on a different desk, the person became much more aware of newsroom operations and a more valuable staff member on the business desk. It's not a pay raise, but it has value as a show of good faith and a way to make people feel special.
Cross training increases respect in the newsroom.
By working closely with others in different departments, staff members get a newfound appreciation for what others do. In particular, copy editors can get a better sense of what reporters, assignment editors, photographers and designers are up against and learn to respect people for their different talents. Cross training provides a much-needed attitude adjustment. Cross training creates friend-building. It can be the path to a kinder, gentler newsroom.