Do CEOs Have Time for Families?

The stereotype of a CEO is someone who’s constantly on the move, attending endless meetings, with little time left for anything—especially family.

But is this really the case? Do CEOs have time for families, or is this just an overblown myth?

While it’s true that CEOs face intense demands, the reality might surprise you. Many leaders manage to balance work and personal life through careful time management and delegation.

Stick around, and you’ll learn exactly how it’s done.

The All-Consuming CEO Role

There’s no denying that being a CEO is demanding. The Harvard Business School 2018 study revealed just how intense their schedules are:

• 62.5 hours per week on average.
• 9.7 hours per weekday and even 2.4 hours on vacation days.
• 72% of their time spent in meetings, mostly in small-group or one-on-one settings.

This all-consuming role is why many believe CEOs have no time for family.

But here’s the catch—75% of a CEO’s time is pre-scheduled, meaning they have control over much of their day. So, do CEOs have time for families?

The answer? Not as simple as it seems.

Sure, the demands are sky-high, but savvy CEOs have ways of pulling off both. Think it’s all work and no family?

Think again. As we dig in, you’ll see how some of these leaders manage to keep strong family ties without missing a beat in the boardroom.

CEOs Who Make Family Time a Priority

Despite the intense pressures of leading global companies, many CEOs manage to carve out time for their families. It’s not unusual to see famous CEOs from giant tech firms making public appearances with their families—whether at restaurants, parks, events or even on vacations.

These leaders may be juggling demanding schedules, but they don’t always sacrifice family life for work.

So, do CEOs have time for families? It comes down to strategy.

Many CEOs use the following methods to maintain balance:

• Delegation: They rely on trusted team members to handle day-to-day responsibilities so they can focus on big-picture decisions.
• Setting boundaries: Some CEOs avoid early morning or late-night meetings to protect personal and family time.
• Time-blocking: Scheduling specific times for family activities ensures work doesn’t consume all hours of the day.

Some CEOs cleverly weave their personal and professional worlds together—whether it’s taking their kids to major events or turning business trips into family vacations. It’s a smooth way to stay connected without missing a beat at work.

No need to pick one over the other.

The real trick? Crafting a setup where both thrive.

Smart planning, bold choices, and the willingness to mix things up allow CEOs to enjoy both their family and their leadership role, proving you don’t have to sacrifice one for the other.

The Myth of Work-Life Balance

Let’s face it—“work-life balance” may be a thing of the past. For many CEOs, the new reality is work-life integration. Instead of rigidly separating work and personal time, CEOs are blending the two.

Here’s how integration works:

• Meetings from the home office: Juggling professional calls while being present at home.
• Business calls during family outings: Finding moments to handle work even in personal settings.
• Weaving responsibilities into everyday life: Merging work tasks into the rhythm of family time.

So, do CEOs have time for families? With integration, the answer leans toward yes. It allows them to stay involved with both worlds without needing strict boundaries. For some, it’s a more practical, flexible approach than the elusive work-life balance.

But there’s a downside—this approach often means never fully switching off. While family dynamics may improve with increased involvement, the risk of burnout or feeling perpetually “on” remains high.

Ultimately, integration offers a more realistic way for CEOs to stay connected with their families, but it comes with its own challenges.

Final Word: Can CEOs Really Have It All?

Balancing family and the role of a CEO is possible, but it requires conscious effort and smart decision-making. Delegating, setting boundaries, and integrating work with family life are all strategies that help make it work.

However, do CEOs have time for families? The answer really depends on individual priorities and the personal choices CEOs make.

Not all leaders find the balance they need, and for some, work takes precedence. But the myth of the always-too-busy CEO doesn’t apply across the board.

In today’s world, many CEOs are finding creative ways to stay connected with their families, proving that leaders can, in fact, have it all—or at least a version of it that works for them.

Balancing the chaos of leadership and family life isn’t just possible—it’s a matter of playing it smart.

Why take my word for it? I’ve mastered what others are still figuring out.

I’m Paul van Eck. With over 30 years of experience at the Executive and C-Suite levels, I’ve lived the balance between high-stakes leadership and personal life. I know what it takes to drive business success without sacrificing the things that matter most.

When it comes to leadership and managing time for family, I’m not offering theories—I’m sharing what actually works.