Autonomy in the workplace: How to empower employees with AI

What is autonomy in the workplace?

Autonomy is the freedom employees have to work in a way that feels most suited to their needs. This kind of freedom makes people feel trusted, motivated, and engaged, and it’s one of the five essential elements that make up a truly successful team. 

When individuals think they have a say in how they get their work done, it makes all the difference in their productivity levels. Sovereignty in the workplace means giving workers the space to decide how to approach their tasks in the best way. It may even call for them to bring their own creative flair to the process. 

The point is to move away from micromanagement, as 69% of those who experience it consider leaving their jobs. When companies allow their employees to make choices that suit them best, work is more enjoyable. As a result of feeling free to make decisions, your team can feel more creative and enhance their problem-solving skills.

How AI supports autonomy in the workplace

When you think of AI, you might imagine it as a high-tech gadget. In reality, artificial intelligence only serves as a tool and can help people work with more independence. Simply put, AI is the silent teammate who’s always there to make things slightly easier so employees can focus on what matters most. By letting it take on repetitive tasks and provide quick insights, AI can be the key to promoting autonomy in the workplace.

One way it boosts independence is through self-service platforms. When workers have questions, they sometimes jump through hoops to find the necessary answers. With AI-powered self-service options, employees can gain more control over their jobs and feel less dependent on constant support from others.

Then, there’s the power of AI-driven decision-making assistance. A smart assistant that crunches data and serves up insights lets employees make informed decisions faster. Whether it’s sales teams getting customer insights or project managers forecasting project timelines, AI helps people get the information needed to steer their work. Out of all the ways it supports autonomy, automation is the most exciting part for employees. AI and machine learning are at the forefront of automating tasks workers find mundane and repetitive. 

Although researchers expect automation to disrupt 85 million jobs in over 15 industries worldwide, it’s also creating opportunities to focus on higher-level responsibilities. This change means less time spent on routine to-do’s and more time for creativity and problem-solving — the things that make people feel truly independent. 

The benefits of building employee autonomy with AI

When staff feel encouraged to make their own decisions, the positive effects ripple across the organization. Integrating AI into the workplace to enhance autonomy promotes several benefits that improve individual and team performance.

Increased job satisfaction and retention rates

AI-driven autonomy can lead to a more satisfying work environment. One study by MIT Sloan and the Boston Consulting Group found that 64% of workers gained moderate value from using AI. 

This technology helped improve employees’ connectedness at work. Those who benefit from AI were 3.4 times more likely to feel satisfied in their jobs. Because workers conduct their work more independently, they are less likely to feel stressed and more willing to stay with their company.

Workplace stress is costly, causing U.S. companies to lose approximately $300 billion each year due to stress-related productivity losses. Decreased freedom can cause a stressful work environment. However, employers who trust their teams to manage their tasks can lower the pressure and boost morale.

Higher productivity and creativity

When AI takes over time-consuming tasks, employees gain more time and mental energy to focus on high-value work. With this technology taking over routine processes, workers can dive deeper into areas where their skills shine.

Yes, AI can save time, but there’s more to it than that. These tools create an environment where people can explore ideas and think outside the box, leading to a more productive and creative workplace.

Greater employee competency and skill development

AI is a learning tool that helps employees enhance their skills while working. In the same study by MIT Sloan, researchers found this technology boosts employees’ competence. Because it provides immediate access to information and feedback, teams can keep learning and improving. This allows employees to feel confident in what they do, allowing them to push their limits and grow within their roles. 

The challenges and downsides of employee autonomy in an AI-driven workplace

As AI takes on a larger role in decision-making and routine tasks, there’s a potential for becoming too dependent on the technology. Overly relying on tools hinders your ability to think critically and strategically.

Consider parts of the business process where big-picture and strategic thinking are critical to the next steps. According to Marlee’s Gen Z at Work Study, Gen Z employees are less likely to rely on their “gut instinct” in their roles, a motivation that has decreased by 60% compared to other generations. 

Source: Gen Z at Work Study

Gen Z is more likely to lean on data and the thoughts of others, and mixing AI into their roles could cause an uptick in the use of technology to make decisions for them. This reliance may put employees at risk of losing touch with their intuitive skills, which are essential for handling complex situations.

Moreover, the study revealed a 56% decrease in “big picture thinking” across generations, along with a 45% decreased interest in constant change in roles among Gen Z employees. In fact, 32% expressed a desire for stability in their roles rather than continuous adaptation.

Source: Gen Z at Work Study

These findings suggest that as AI becomes more prevalent, the drive for innovation and adaptability could diminish, especially in younger generations. With less exposure to change and strategic challenges, team members may miss opportunities to build essential leadership and critical-thinking skills.

Employee preference for autonomy across generations

Autonomy means different things to each age group. Understanding these generational differences can help create a more inclusive environment where everyone feels valued.

Gen Z: Flexibility, digital connection, and immediate feedback

Gen Z values a workflow that fits more seamlessly into their lives. For them, autonomy is more than about freedom in how they work — it’s also about the tools to make work fit into their personal routines. 

This generation feels most connected to their coworkers when they have the tools to communicate at their convenience. This could be because there was a 17% decline in interest in working in environments where social interaction is a part of daily work. From Slack to Zoom, Gen Z prefers these over in-person interactions. 

Source: Gen Z at Work Study

Marlee’s Gen Z at Work Study found a 44% increase in preference for written communication across generations, with a 45% drop in voice-based communication. For Gen Z, autonomy exists when they can stay connected in ways that align with their digital-first mindset.

71% of Gen Zers also thrive when they can dive right into a project. However, they often seek validation before moving forward, preferring to check their decisions with others to build confidence. This generation also performs best when they have a mentor who can provide feedback, help them correct their course quickly, and make them feel secure in their choices.

Millennials: Structure and digital integration

Millennials share Gen Z’s preference for digital tools and flexibility but often seek a clear framework to guide them. While they value autonomy, they also benefit from having step-by-step guidelines to help with tasks. This preference reflects their desire for independence balanced with direction, allowing them to work efficiently while staying aligned with team goals.

Millennials are also comfortable with virtual connection, mirroring the trend across generations of preferring written and digital communication over voice. As remote work continues to shift, Millennials see digital platforms as essential tools for collaboration and connection.

Gen X: Innovation and independent problem-solving

Gen X feels more energetic when they can innovate ways of doing things, and 48% of them enjoy the challenge of being creative. For this generation, autonomy means having room to experiment and push boundaries without constant oversight. Unlike younger individuals, Gen X employees are less reliant on digital connections for team bonding and are comfortable working independently.

While they appreciate flexibility, Gen X team members are more self-directed, preferring to work autonomously on projects that utilize their experience and problem-solving skills. They may not seek validation the way younger colleagues do. They’re typically more motivated by achieving results than receiving constant input.

Baby Boomers: Stability and purpose-driven autonomy

Baby Boomers would rather feel a sense of purpose in their work and value autonomy in the form of stability. This generation shares Gen X’s interest in strategizing new work methods but prefers approaches through tried-and-true methods. They value direct communication, though they’ve adapted to written and digital modes as workplaces evolve.

Strategies and tools to build autonomy in the workplace with AI

To truly foster autonomy in the workplace, you must give teams the right tools and strategies that enable them to take ownership of their work.

Source: Gen Z at Work Study

• AI-driven productivity apps: AI productivity tools like Trello, Asana, and Monday.com use machine learning to help workers prioritize tasks and manage deadlines. They no longer have to remember which tasks they need to complete and when—these tools can automate reminders and offer suggestions for managing workloads.
• ChatGPT and virtual assistants: Chatbots like ChatGPT give users access to real-time support and gather information without relying on coworkers and managers. Whether it’s brainstorming ideas, drafting content or answering questions, these virtual assistants can quickly offer help.
• Performance tracking and feedback systems: AI-powered coaching tools like Marlee enhance performance development for every team member. Using the science-backed Motivational Analysis, Marlee identifies your team's strengths and growth opportunities and delivers personalized online coaching programs to bridge any gaps. Want to boost collaboration? Ask Marlee questions like "How do I connect with @Sara?" or "Where might Denis and I face conflicts?" This real-time guidance helps team members own their development journey and stay energized about their progress.
• Automation of routine tasks: Tools like Zapier automate repetitive, low-value tasks, giving individuals more time to focus on meaningful work. These platforms can handle administrative tasks, allowing workers more time for creative problem-solving and strategic thinking.

Steps to implement workplace autonomy with AI

Implementing employee autonomy with AI requires you to approach it thoughtfully rather than throwing it into your workers’ hands. Here are steps to consider when using it to promote independence:

1. Assess organizational readiness: Read the room and evaluate whether your company is open to AI-driven changes. Look for areas where these tools can enrich autonomy and align with organizational goals.
2. Select the right AI tools: Choose AI tools that support business goals without adding unnecessary complexity. These tools should fit naturally into your team’s workflow and provide genuine value.
3. Develop an AI usage policy: Workers need a clear outline of what leaders expect when using these tools. In these guidelines, ensure you emphasize data privacy and the intended purpose of each tool to increase their understanding of AI’s role in the workplace.
4. Provide training and support: Approximately 88% of companies could implement onboarding better in professional development. To guarantee they have the skills to use AI effectively, you must offer ongoing training and support to help users feel confident.

Developing autonomy with AI in the workplace

When done right, AI can be the piece to the puzzle your employees need to be more productive and feel more connected to their workplace. But remember, autonomy involves evenly distributing help to workers while leaving them to navigate certain tasks alone. So, as you look toward building a more autonomous, AI-empowered workplace, focus on creating an atmosphere of growth, trust, and continuous learning.

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