All educators, regardless of their positions within schools have ‘In Trays’. Tasks that need to be completed stay there until they are done. The ‘out’ tray comes into play for all finished assignments.

There is nothing more frustrating that to have an in tray burdened by documentation, an out tray light on for tasks that have been done. Finishing work and going home leaving a laden in tray does not augur well for feelings of satisfaction with accomplished work.

It is wise to aim for an empty in tray before departing for the day. Perhaps an ‘In Train’ tray for tasks that have been completed as far as possible would help. This makes sense because tasks are often a work in progress.

Apart for that, aim for an empty in tray before leaving for the day. This practice delivers a feel good outcome. Better that, than feeling the burden of office.