Autonomous work: How employees can take control

Imagine: a company and a workplace where everyone feels they are contributing, equally important and independent. Autonomous working is the way forward, and companies around the world are introducing such structures. Workplace autonomy empowers your employees to achieve more, improve performance, and increase profits—all with a greater sense of control.

Let's take a look at autonomous working and its revolutionary approach to see what it's all about.

Autonomous working: What does it mean?

Let’s look at the importance of autonomous working. What exactly is it, what does it mean, and how can you apply it to your own organization? In short, autonomous work is a structure that eliminates the dreaded 24/7 monitoring by managers and cuts the chains to the office through numerous adjustments. It is intended to offer all employees more flexibility and empower them in their roles.

But what is an autonomous team? Typically, it is a team of motivated employees who can manage projects without constant supervision by working together and completing their work regardless of where and when they work. An efficient autonomous team will achieve the same, if not better, results than teams that do not have the same flexibility.

Examples of autonomy in the workplace

Autonomous working is not just a pipe dream. It is already happening in companies of all shapes and sizes. Companies that use systems/tools that improve the efficiency of autonomous work are really starting to make progress. Software like Flexopus is an example of such tools.

Flexopus promotes autonomous working by enabling employees to design their work environment flexibly. With the intuitive booking platform, employees can decide independently where they want to work, in the office or from home. If you choose the office, you can choose between differently equipped workstations and different office zones. If you prefer a quieter day, you can book a free spot in the relaxation area, for example. This freedom allows employees to maximize their productivity and creativity by choosing the environment that best suits their current tasks.

In addition, employees can reserve their meeting rooms and parking spaces in advance, so there is no unnecessary searching. In addition, Flexopus offers a real-time overview of workstation occupancy, so you always stay informed about who is in the office at what time.

The integration of Flexopus into existing corporate systems facilitates seamless integration into everyday work and supports smooth communication and collaboration. Flexopus not only increases flexibility and efficiency in everyday office life, but also promotes employee satisfaction and autonomy.

Desk sharing is just one example of autonomous working, so what are other examples?

• Flextime: Employees can start at 5am and finish early or start late and finish late as long as the hours are completed.
• Flexible work locations: Work from home, in business centers, in a cafe or other location (depending on Wi-Fi connection).
• Individual goal setting: Employees can set individual goals for their respective teams regarding profit targets, lead times, etc.
• Meeting Flexibility: Team members can schedule their own meetings and choose the ones that are most important for achieving their goals and objectives.
• Independent Budgeting: Automatically gives employees the green light for company spending up to a certain value to remove unnecessary obstacles.

How employers can promote their employees’ autonomy in the workplace

An autonomous wonderland cannot be created by magic. Employers have to put in the work to make it happen.
If you run your own business or manage a large team, you can create the conditions for efficient autonomy in the workplace with the following tips:

1. Limit employee check-ins: Show confidence in your team's capabilities by reducing unnecessary meetings, requests for updates and reports, etc.
2. Streamline communication: Use services and platforms where collective goals can be observed and monitored so everyone is on the same page.‍
3. Promote and implement skills development: Consider courses, certifications, and training days for team members to prepare them for independent work.‍
4. Avoid punishing mistakes: Create a culture where it's okay to try something, fail, make mistakes, and learn from mistakes to improve in the future.‍
5. Praise: Don't forget to offer recognition and public support to those who work autonomously, to maintain connection.‍
6. Open Door Policy: Keep the lines of communication wide open between all levels of the company.‍
7. Design and implement flexible policies: Establish rules for adaptable working hours and locations.‍
8. Promote work-life balance: Respect personal time and promote a healthy work-life balance.

Autonomous team structure

To enable autonomous work, you may need to redesign the structure of your organization. In this case, we will show you how to create an optimal structure for autonomous work:

• Flatten the pyramid: Reduce the management levels and create open lines of communication between employees at all levels.
• Mix the teams: Form teams with different skills to create self-sufficient units.
• Minstrel Chair Leadership: Let different team members take the helm depending on project needs.
• Goal Alignment: Set clear team goals that align with the company's ambitions.
• Huddle up: Schedule regular meetings to stay on track and resolve issues.
• All hands on deck: Involve everyone in decision-making on big and small considerations.
• Relentless Development: Foster a culture where skill building, knowledge sharing, and personal development are always on the agenda.

Autonomous workgroups: advantages and disadvantages

Like anything worthwhile, autonomous workgroups have their advantages and disadvantages. Nevertheless, autonomy in the workplace is currently very much in vogue, because the advantages demonstrably outweigh the disadvantages! As for the details, you can refer to the following lists:

The good sides:

• Employees are more committed and happier at work
• Creativity and innovation are skyrocketing
• Problem-solving skills are significantly increased
• Productivity and efficiency reach new highs
• Teams become more adaptable to changes
• Less need for middle management
• Top talents thrive and remain with the company long-term

The not so good things:

• Risk of deviation from corporate objectives
• Difficult assessment of individual performance
• Some team members may feel isolated or unsupported
• Employees may feel more pressured by increasing responsibility

Summary

The traditional 9-to-5 day is already a thing of the past thanks to autonomous working. This concept and the associated adjustments to the old-school way of working are a welcome change that was long overdue. As autonomous work becomes more prevalent and delivers ever-better results, you should ask yourself whether you really want your company to be left behind by failing to adapt.

In other words, are you ready to embrace a culture of autonomous work to keep up with the times and make your business flourish? We leave the answer to you!