Mental health in the workplace is too often an afterthought, but neglecting it can have lasting consequences.

EMA Health and Safety Facilitator Peter Simunovich is warning businesses that treating mental health as a “nice to have” rather than a necessity is leading to a dangerous trend—slow harm.

Simunovich highlights that slow harm is the gradual, often unnoticed decline in employee wellbeing.

It shows up as chronic stress, burnout, and even physical illness over time.

“Mental health decline doesn't usually happen in dramatic moments. It’s the accumulation of minor changes—like feeling a bit more exhausted, a little more irritable, or losing motivation,” he explained.

The Covid-19 pandemic initially brought mental health to the forefront, with many companies adopting support systems.

But as the urgency has faded, so too has the focus on employee wellbeing.

Simunovich warns this is a mistake. “We are wired not to notice slow harm immediately. By the time we recognise it, the damage is often done.”

For Coasties, this message is a timely reminder that maintaining good mental health isn’t just a personal responsibility—it’s a workplace priority.

Simunovich’s work with EMA includes training employees to identify signs of slow harm and practical techniques to prevent it, like mental redirection and structured visualisation.

He emphasises that businesses need more than basic mental health first aid.

A true commitment means building a culture where mental health is prioritised, and early signs of deterioration are addressed before they become crises.

Simunovich’s advice is clear: local businesses must treat mental health as an essential aspect of health and safety, just like any physical hazard.

Without it, slow harm will continue to impact employee performance, engagement, and overall wellbeing.

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