The Autonomy Opportunity: How Workstyle Can Transform Performance and Inclusion
Our latest research report, 'The Autonomy Opportunity' is out, and it’s already igniting meaningful conversations with changemakers!
Modernising Employment APPG
We were delighted to be invited to speak at the Modernising Employment APPG in the Houses of Parliament last week, and share the report outlining the case for a bold shift in how we work and design jobs in the UK.
Key issues we highlighted:
Autonomy over time and place is still lacking
Those who need autonomy the most - disabled workers, carers, parents - have the least access to it
Autonomy remains a senior-level privilege, reserved for those who are at higher levels of the hierarchy
Skills to work autonomously must be specifically invested in
It was inspiring to engage with policymakers who are ready to think differently about the future of work including Lee Barron MP and Baroness Dido Harding, as well to share the stage with fellow experts David MacLeod OBE and Sarah Pass.
Huge thanks to the fantastic Keith Rosser and the brilliant team at Better Hiring Institute (BHI) and of course to the APPG Modernising Employment for championing this conversation.
The session, including our contribution, was covered in HR Magazine this week.
About the Autonomy Opportunity Report
The report, produced by Workstyle Revolution CIC in collaboration with Ian Burn from the University of Liverpool and PBE (formerly Pro Bono Economics), explores why autonomy is the key to performance, inclusion, and wellbeing in the modern workplace.
The world of work is changing - and with it, our definition of success. For the first time, Randstad’s global survey shows that work-life balance (83%) now matters more to workers than pay (82%). This signals a profound shift: people are prioritising how they work, not just what they earn.
Yet despite new technologies and hybrid practices, most organisations are still not fully embracing autonomy - the ability for people to choose how, when, and where they work. At Workstyle Revolution, we call this “workstyle” - a model that replaces the one-size-fits-all 9-to-5 with a personalised approach that fits work around individual needs and circumstances. Our mission is to create a happier, more fulfilled society through a world of work without bias.
[Download or read the full report here]
Soaring demand vs unequal access
Drawing on data from the UK’s largest longitudinal study, Understanding Society, the research examines how autonomy is distributed across the workforce, and the results are clear: while demand for autonomy is soaring, access to it remains unequal, often limited by role, sector, or seniority.
The report identifies four key dimensions of workplace autonomy, each representing a powerful opportunity for transformation.
Time and Place
The freedom to choose when and where we work remains limited, even though technology and pandemic experience have proven it possible. Expanding time and place autonomy unlocks broader talent pools, reduces costs, and increases engagement - a missed opportunity for many organisations today.Inclusion
Autonomy is vital for people with disabilities, caring responsibilities, and those who are neurodivergent or managing mental health challenges. Yet these groups often experience less autonomy than average. This imbalance not only harms inclusion but also limits access to exceptional talent. Autonomy is a gateway to equity.Hierarchy
Freedom at work tends to rise with seniority - but it doesn’t need to. Autonomy should be a foundation, not a perk. When people at all levels are trusted to manage their time and performance, motivation and innovation flourish. Leadership built on trust, not control, creates stronger, more resilient teams.Skills
Autonomy thrives when people have the right skills - from communication and accountability to time management. Investing in these capabilities empowers teams, reduces inequality, and builds organisations that are adaptable and future-ready.
Ultimately, autonomy is not a luxury - it’s a necessity for modern work. It drives engagement, inclusion, and productivity, creating workplaces where people are happier and higher-performing.
The organisations that act now - investing in, designing for, and role-modelling autonomy - will not only close inclusion gaps but also lead the next era of sustainable growth and innovation.
Unlock the power of autonomy - read the full report now
Read The Autonomy Opportunity: How Workstyle Working Can Transform Performance and Inclusion to explore the evidence, insights, and practical steps your organisation can take to unlock the power of autonomy.
[Download or read the full report here]
This blog was written by one of our team of fantastic volunteers, Louisa Cliff, on behalf of the Workstyle Revolution.
