As a Director of Nursing, I’m going to tell you something you might not want to hear—stop working from home.
Yes, you heard me right.
It might seem counterintuitive, especially when you feel like there’s always more to do, more emails to send, more problems to solve. But if you don’t learn to manage your time, you’ll find yourself running a rat race that never ends.
In our role, we’re responsible for our facilities 24/7. When we don’t have solid processes in place, that responsibility becomes a burden we carry around the clock. We work all day, only to come home and feel the urge to finish what we couldn’t complete at work. But in doing so, we often overlook something even more important—our own needs and the needs of our families.
Let me tell you, I’ve been there.
When I first became a Director of Nursing, my children were very young. I would get off work, cook dinner, and then dive right back into my work, neglecting the precious time I could have spent with my family.
At the time, it felt like the right thing to do—I was providing for my family, after all. But the reality is, I was missing out on moments I could never get back.
It wasn’t until my children stopped asking me to attend their events that I had a gut-wrenching realization: I get one family, one chance to be there for them. And if I wasn’t present, I was going to miss it.
That’s when I knew something had to change. I needed to manage my time better, not just for my job, but for my life. It forced me to learn about time management, and that’s how I began to thrive—not just survive—in both my work and home life.
Here’s how you can do it too:
1. Plan Your Day with Intention
Have a Plan: Every day at work, go in with a plan. Know what you need to accomplish and stick to it. This isn’t just about getting tasks done—it’s about making the most of your time so that when the day ends, you can leave work at work.
Prioritize Tasks: Use tools like the late Zig Ziglar’s advice of "going to Acapulco every day"—plan as if you’re going away and need to get everything done before you leave. Prioritizing helps you focus on what’s truly important, ensuring nothing is left for tomorrow.
2. Learn and Live by the Five Rights of Delegation
Delegate Effectively: Delegation isn’t just a skill—it’s a necessity. The Five Rights of Delegation can help you manage your workload effectively. When you delegate, you’re not just offloading tasks; you’re empowering your team and giving yourself the space to focus on what only you can do.
3. Embrace Time Management Techniques
Stack Habits: I started stacking habits before I even read James Clear’s "Atomic Habits." By stacking productive habits, you can maximize your efficiency at work, allowing you to complete your tasks on time and freeing up your evenings for family and self-care.
Focus on Being Present: When you’re at work, be 100% at work. When you’re at home, be 100% at home. This clear division will help you avoid burnout and create a healthier work-life balance.
4. Understand the Power of Now
Be Present: The concept of being present, as highlighted in Eckhart Tolle’s "The Power of Now," is crucial. When you’re constantly thinking about what you didn’t get done or what you need to do tomorrow, you miss out on the moment. Being present allows you to fully engage with your tasks at hand, whether it’s a work project or quality time with your family.
Reduce Stress: By focusing on the now, you reduce the mental clutter that contributes to stress and burnout. This practice not only makes you more effective at work but also allows you to enjoy and cherish your personal life.
5. Stop Working from Home (Unless Absolutely Necessary)
Set Boundaries: Working from home blurs the lines between professional and personal life, leading to burnout. Unless it’s an emergency, make it a rule to leave work at the office. Your home should be your sanctuary, a place to recharge, not an extension of your office.
Evaluate Processes: If you find yourself bringing work home regularly, it’s time to evaluate your processes. What can be improved or delegated? How can you be more efficient during your workday so that your evenings are free for what truly matters?
6. Create a Supportive Environment
Involve Your Family: Let your family know that you’re making these changes for them as much as for yourself. When they see you’re committed to being present, they’ll support you in creating that balance.
Set Expectations at Work: Communicate with your team about your commitment to work-life balance. When they see you’re serious about it, they’ll respect your boundaries and maybe even be inspired to follow suit.
Work will always be there. There will always be another email to send, another task to complete. But your life outside of work—that’s irreplaceable.
So, if you find yourself working from home every evening, it’s time to take a step back. Identify what processes need to change, and take the steps to create the work-life balance you deserve.
You’ll be a better leader, a better family member, and most importantly, a better you.
And when you’ve made those changes, don’t forget to share your journey. What steps did you take? How has your life improved? I want to hear your stories because, together, we can create a culture where work-life balance isn’t just a buzzword, but a reality.
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