The prevalence of burnout syndrome in the community has been brought to the attention of the City Council.

By Jennifer Grimes

On July 11, the Somerville City Council discussed ways to manage burnout in the community and how to reduce stress for those who are constantly juggling their home and work life.

The Council examined the need for home/work balance.

Burnout syndrome, the grim result of our busy lives, has been a hot topic for a while. Burnout is especially common among those who function throughout the day in one setting: busy. The busyness of a work schedule combined with the busyness of a home routine can easily weigh on anyone.

For those in the City of Somerville, it has been something that workers who serve the public have been bringing to the fore. Many community members have reached out to those on the Somerville City Council in search of help and relief. Counselor At-Large Stephanie Hirsch, resonating with the struggles of stressed out employees, brought the topic into the council meeting.

According to Hirsch, “People in general and in public, in Somerville and beyond who raise issues with us, are asking how we can help those serving the public. I just wanted to put them on the radar. If we can think about how we can change the culture so that it can become more manageable for them.”

It is easy for those in the community to wear themselves out at a job where their main focus is serving. Whether its waitressing, catering, sales, or anyone else working on the front lines and obliging to the needs of the public. After a long shift it can be difficult to find the energy to cook dinner or make a meal for a family.

Now that the Somerville City Council has put the topic of burnout syndrome on the table, they are hoping to come up with a strategy to relieve the busyness in the lives of those in their community who are struggling.