What does "left to our own devices "mean? Does it mean "left us with our computers"? "I like my job, but it's annoying that my commute to work takes an hour and a half each way and most of my work could really be done online from home. But my boss doesn't seem to trust that we will get any work done if left to our own devices, and everyone in the company has to clock in and out every day."

Question

What does "left to our own devices "mean?  Does it mean "left us with our computers"? "I like my job, but it's annoying that my commute to work takes an hour and a half each way and most of my work could really be done online from home. But my boss doesn't seem to trust that we will get any work done if left to our own devices, and everyone in the company has to clock in and out every day."

Answer

This phrase means "to allow someone to make their own decisions about what to do".

It has nothing to do with actual technological devices.

Answer

It means to allow someone to do what they want or is able to do without being controlled or helped by another person.

This phrase is an idiom. It is not about physical devices.