When you’re job hunting, there’s a lot to consider. Health insurance, retirement plans, and yes, even those flashy perks like catered lunches can all factor into your decision. But there’s one benefit that often flies under the radar: autonomy in the workplace.
Autonomy at work gives you the freedom to make decisions, manage your time, and take ownership of your work. That’s why it has such a significant impact on job satisfaction and career growth opportunities.
In this article, I’ll break down what workplace autonomy looks like, why it matters, and how you can find (or create) more of it in your career.
What does autonomy mean in the workplace?
Autonomy in the workplace relates to how much freedom, flexibility, and control you have over your working life.
In a workplace setting, autonomy might manifest as setting your own schedule, choosing how to approach tasks, or having a say in which projects you take on. This level of trust from your employer allows you to get the job done without micromanagement.
Autonomy doesn’t equate to working in isolation. You still collaborate, innovate, and problem-solve with your team, but you have the freedom to do so in ways that work best for you.
Here are some concrete examples of what autonomy can look like on the job:
Flexible work hours or location
This type of workplace autonomy is perhaps the most common in the modern workplace.
Many employers offer workers the chance to set their own hours or choose their working location. This includes perks like fully remote work or unlimited vacation days, or less formal arrangements—like allowing people to work when and where they are most productive.
For example, a graphic designer might choose to work late into the evening when they feel most creative, while a sales representative might prefer mornings for client calls. Flexibility at work allows for these diverse working styles, leading to more productivity and employee satisfaction.
Not all “flexible” jobs are created equal—pay attention to job descriptions and learn to read between the lines:
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Here’s more guidance on how to find flexibility in the workplace.
The ability to prioritize your own tasks
Bosses who provide autonomy for their employees do so out of trust. They know you can get the job done and allow you to decide the best way to carry out your tasks.
For example, you might prefer to get all of your small tasks out of the way in the morning before you focus on a big project in the afternoon. A boss who values autonomy won’t push back, even if she prefers a different working style.
Bear in mind that processes are an essential part of most jobs, and a job that requires you to follow a certain structure isn’t necessarily stifling autonomy. However, autonomy in the workplace will allow you to provide feedback on how to improve processes.
Freedom to make decisions within your area of expertise
A boss who values workplace autonomy places trust in your experience. They allow you to sit in the driver’s seat when your expertise is needed, and actively seek your input and guidance, rather than making decisions on your behalf.
For instance, a store manager at a national chain might have the freedom to adjust product displays or create local promotions based on their understanding of the local customer base. They’re trusted to make decisions that will drive sales, even if it means deviating from corporate guidance.
Once again, autonomy in the workplace boils down to how much trust an employer puts in their staff.
Being judged on results rather than work methods
Managers who prioritize autonomy will measure your work by the results you bring, not how you got those results.
For example, let’s say you are assigned to edit a podcast for your employer. You download a new tool, and using some techniques you picked up, manage to put together the next episode in half the time it normally takes.
Some bosses might be upset that you deviated from the normal way of doing things, or demand that you fill up your spare time with more work (which is effectively punishing you for being efficient).
But managers who provide autonomy in the workplace won’t care as much that you had a few extra hours in your day, or that you used a different method of editing, because the final product was successful.
Creativity and collaboration flourish
When autonomy is valued in the workplace, it creates an environment where creativity can thrive and collaboration becomes more meaningful.
In an autonomous setting, workers aren’t just following a script or waiting for orders. They have the freedom to think outside the box, propose new ideas, and take calculated risks.
They aren’t afraid to suggest that strange idea for a marketing campaign (the ones that always go viral). They are empowered to experiment with new processes and technologies, and end up finding novel solutions and exciting new opportunities.
Collaboration, too, takes on a new dimension in the autonomous workplace. Instead of being forced into rigid team structures, workers can form organic partnerships based on shared goals and complementary skills. Instead of being siloed, it will be easy to work with colleagues from different departments, pooling your diverse expertise to tackle complex challenges.
How to get more autonomy at work
Whether you’re job hunting or currently employed, there are ways to increase your workplace autonomy. Let’s explore some strategies.
Hunting for autonomy while hunting for a job
When you’re on the job market, you have a unique opportunity to prioritize autonomy in your next role.
Start by doing thorough research into the companies you’re applying to. Glassdoor is a great resource to learn more about company culture, and you can likely glean a sense of their values off social media as well.
When looking through job opportunities, scan for keywords like “independent” “ownership” “self-directed” and (of course) “autonomy.”
During interviews, you can ask about autonomy at work, and spin the question into an opportunity to talk about your ambition and successful working styles. For example, you might say:
In my next role, I hope to have input on the menu design. I’ve got great ideas for local recipes I know your customers would love. Is that something the restaurant would be open to?
If they seem open to the idea of you trying something different in the interview, there’s a better chance that they will give you more control once you land the job.
(Here are more great questions to ask in an interview.)
Jobs that offer more autonomy
As you gain experience and move up in a company, you’re likely to earn more autonomy. However, some roles inherently offer more independence from the start.
➡️ Sales roles
Sales positions often come with a high degree of autonomy. You’re typically given targets to hit, but how you reach those goals is up to you. This freedom allows you to develop your own strategies and manage your time effectively.
@workingstudentlife Vector marketing explained: autonomy vs. flexibility… whats best for you? #workingstudent #vectormarketing #vector #cutco ♬ original sound – Vector Marketing
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➡️ Creative roles
Jobs in fields like graphic design, visual arts, writing, or marketing often provide significant autonomy. These roles require innovative thinking and unique solutions, which flourish when you’re given the freedom to explore your ideas. You might have project guidelines, but the creative process is largely in your hands.
➡️ Project management
Project managers often enjoy considerable autonomy in how they organize tasks, allocate resources, and lead their teams. Figuring out the best way to carry out a process is the core aspect of the job.
➡️ Tech and development roles
Many tech jobs, particularly in software development, offer high levels of autonomy. Developers are often given problems to solve or features to implement, with the freedom to determine the best coding approach. Jobs in the tech sector frequently offer remote work and flexible hours as well.
➡️ The most autonomous path: Building your own business
If you truly want to pursue the most autonomous form of work out there, consider becoming a freelancer or launching your own business.
In these scenarios, you have total control over what you do and how you do it. However, you also need an immense amount of self-discipline, patience, and curiosity to make it work.
We have lots of resources to help:
How to get more autonomy in your current job
If you’re already employed but craving more independence, don’t worry—there are ways to increase your autonomy at work without job hopping.
The foundation of gaining more autonomy is building trust with your employer. Consistently delivering high-quality work on time is crucial. When your boss sees that you can handle your current responsibilities well, they’re more likely to give you additional freedom.
Take initiative on projects and propose new ideas. This shows that you’re engaged and capable of thinking beyond your immediate tasks. When you spot an opportunity for improvement, don’t be afraid to speak up and offer solutions.
Advocating for yourself at work is also key. Have open conversations with your manager about your desire for more autonomy. Explain how increased independence could benefit both you and the company. Be prepared to offer specific examples of how you’d use that autonomy productively.
Gaining more autonomy is often a gradual process. Start small by asking for more input on decisions or volunteering to lead a project. As you prove yourself, you can negotiate for larger areas of independence.
For more guidance on increasing your workplace autonomy, check out these resources:
Autonomy in the workplace serves as a powerful tool for professional growth and job satisfaction. Whether you’re job hunting or looking to improve your current role, remember that you have the power to shape your work environment.
Be proactive, build trust, and advocate for the independence you deserve. Your career will take off when you have the freedom to make meaningful decisions and take ownership of your work.
