The move towards employee workplace autonomy

As connectivity and social connections change the way we do business, the workplace has shifted towards a greater level of employee autonomy.

A manager need not be present at the office to oversee business operations. And measuring workplace metrics has never been an easier task than it is today.

Encouraging more freedom in how an employee works boosts workplace morale. Being digitally available can be beneficial for both workers and managers.

Encouraging more freedom of choice in how work is done also gives workers a sense of self-empowerment, which can up the level of buy-in to the company’s mission.

As you may recall from J.R. Tolkien’s classic story, “The Lord of the Rings,” the character Gandalf slipped away at inopportune times, which forced the intrepid crew to discover their latent talents on their own. Freedom to experiment is an intriguing concept, because it ushers in creativity, which is an essential asset in a mercurial business environment.

Yet there is one potential pitfall. If a company allows a worker enough freedom to fail, but does not render sufficient support, the changeover could backfire. If you’re considering a restructure of workflow and flexible work options, be sure to include all the potential impacts that may arise from boosting worker autonomy.