Mayors in Denmark face increasing job pressures as stress-related health issues rise
Managing job pressures, social media, and personal life poses significant challenges for mayors in Denmark, leading some elected officials to succumb to stress-related health issues. This situation raises concerns about the state of democracy, according to the Danish Local Government Association (KL), which aims to provide better support for newly elected mayors before the next election cycle.
Recent developments include the resignation of Jacob Trøst, a mayor in Bornholm, due to stress-related symptoms. Omer Ćirić, KL’s Deputy Director, expressed concern over the increasing pressures mayors face, both from external sources and their own expectations. KL plans to offer enhanced resources to assist future mayors in coping with their demanding roles.
Former mayor Winni Grosbøll, now director of the Danish Consumer Council, noted the significant toll of the job, sharing that private life often gets sacrificed. During her 11 years in office, she felt restricted from participating in normal social activities, including dancing. Grosbøll advocates for improved support mechanisms to prevent burnout among mayors, emphasizing the need for personal assistance and skill development as essential components of the role.
Steffen Jensen, the mayor of Halsnæs Municipality, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the importance of a healthy work-life balance for mayors and calling for KL to provide guidance to prevent overwhelming situations. He pointed out that the demanding nature of the role, with workweeks ranging from 50 to 100 hours, exacerbates stress.
KL recognizes the seriousness of the issue, stating that a robust democracy relies on individuals willing to serve in municipal councils. Omer Ćirić affirmed their commitment to enhancing support systems for mayors, aiming to strengthen both their well-being and the democratic framework. Statistics show that one in three mayors frequently experiences excessive work pressure, underscoring the urgent need for solutions.