The autonomy paradox: How more freedom at work can leave you feeling powerless

The notion of autonomy in the workplace—giving employees more freedom over how, where and when they work—has long been praised for boosting motivation, job satisfaction and overall well-being. However, a growing body of research suggests that too much autonomy can paradoxically lead to feelings of powerlessness. Once work is firmly tied to one's identity and sense of responsibility, it becomes difficult to detach from it during personal time.

This phenomenon, known as psychological detachment, is crucial for replenishing emotional and cognitive resources. Without it, workers may still be mentally engaged with their job, leading to chronic fatigue and reduced productivity the next day. A study of 40 entrepreneurs found that when work and self are inextricably linked, detachment becomes almost impossible.

One respondent expressed the relentless pressure she felt as an entrepreneur, unable to stop thinking about her business even at night. Another commented on the guilt she experienced for separating her professional life from the rest of her life. Research also shows that workers with high autonomy tend to work more—not less—when the visibility of their efforts is limited, such as when working remotely.

For many, the physical separation of work from home has blurred, leading to a culture of constant availability. This has brought about a new expectation that employees must prove their commitment by being reachable and responding quickly, often at the cost of unpaid overtime. While policies like "right to disconnect" or flexible working hours can mitigate external interruptions, they cannot address the internal pressures employees place on themselves.

Thus, autonomy in the workplace can enhance motivation and overall health, yet it often comes with unacknowledged and unpaid work intensity, detracting from genuine power.