This depends for example on where the individuals live and for example in many countries of Western Europe people might be relatively well informaed of their rights
But generally I believe people are not too empowered because:
1) they don't challenge unfavorable work contracts
2) they don't take sick leave even if they can
3) they don't challenge their supervisors out of fear of loosing a job
4) they rarely seek justice in court
5) they might not be aware of their right to sick leave for example