Crew project

What is autonomy in the workplace

Autonomy has long been established as a critical component of professional work. Traditionally, autonomy has been examined as the extent to which an individual or a professional group controls the decisions and knowledge used in their work (VanHeuvelen, 2020). Job autonomy is the freedom given to employees to make decisions in the job and scheduling the work (Hussain and Gulzar, 2019); with autonomy in job, individuals willingly make endeavors to pursue tasks that otherwise deem beyond the scope of the organization (Morgeson & Humphrey, 2006). In recent decades, the regulation of work has been increasingly handed over to the individual worker, who is given greater autonomy in performing his/her job. Employees can decide not only how (methods autonomy) but also when (worktime autonomy) and where they perform their work (workplace autonomy) (Kubicek et al., 2017). 

Tips to gain higher level of independence at the workplace:

1. You should have your own schedule(s): Having control over your time and being able to decide when you work is one of the best – and easiest – ways to build greater autonomy at work. So when you have the chance to get greater flexibility to design your own weekly schedules, this is a great place to start.
2. You should have the appropriate tools to master your performance: One way to improve your autonomy is to encourage greater self-management – to help figure out where and how you can improve by yourself. Giving people the means to better understand how they work communicates that an organization trusts them, that they ultimately are the master of their own space.
3. You should be able to work where you want: You should be able to create your own schedule(s), but this type of autonomy also extends to deciding where to work. If you need to stay in the office, consider whether the organisation provides a good range of environments to support your work – both collaborative and quiet options. If you don’t, consider remote opportunities so you can work where you feel most focused and engaged – whether that’s from home or from your favorite local coffee shop. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that almost every non-client facing company can adapt to remote work, and as companies start to reopen their offices, more employees will be looking to secure long-term remote opportunities.
4. You should be offered creative autonomy: Beyond allowing people to decide when, where and how they work, autonomy is also about granting people creative freedom. It’s about letting you own your own ideas, developing your own objectives and having the confidence – or security – to try new approaches. By giving you a company/business space and encouragement to explore new ideas allows you to tap into the personal values that inspire your work, and from a creative perspective you’ll feel empowered.
5. Be able to create choice within boundaries: The freedom of choice is a key element to autonomy, but too much choice can be detrimental. That’s why those who think autonomy means there are no boundaries are in error. In fact, firm boundaries — and a system to hold people accountable for results — are essential for autonomy to flourish.
6. Grant your ownership: Ownership occurs when what I am doing is mine, not just yours. Effective autonomy can empower you to tap into the meaning that underlies your work.