The disclosure relates to a method for operating a drivetrain for a work machine, wherein a first electric motor drives a work drive of the work machine via a first transmission arrangement, wherein a second electric motor drives a traction drive of the work machine via a second transmission arrangement, and wherein, during a shift process of the second transmission arrangement from a relatively low gear ratio stage to a relatively high gear ratio stage, the rotational speed of the second electric motor is reduced. The method according to the disclosure is distinguished by the fact that, during the shift process, a driving connection is produced between the first electric motor and the second transmission arrangement by a first clutch, such that, during the shift process, the first electric motor drives the traction drive. The disclosure furthermore relates to a corresponding drivetrain and to a work machine.