There’s a quiet weight that comes with leading people. Not the tasks on a to-do list—but the unseen emotional load. The weight of being available, responsive, strong, consistent, empathetic. The expectation to hold space for others while managing your own pressure behind the scenes.

The go-to person. The problem solver. The one who never says no. High performers carry a quiet risk—and it’s one that often goes unnoticed until they’re halfway out the door. As HR professionals and people leaders, this is where our attention needs to shift: not just toward the obvious signs of struggle, but the hidden ones wrapped in success.

Burnout rarely starts with a breakdown.

It starts small—missed deadlines, shorter replies, cameras off in meetings. A tired “I’m fine” that doesn’t quite sound convincing. Slowly, people disconnect—not just from their work, but from themselves.

We don’t talk about the real cost of mental health in the workplace enough. Not just the dollar signs. But the cost of tension in the team that never gets addressed. The cost of talented people slowly burning out in silence. The cost of a culture where everyone looks busy, but no one feels safe.

Workplaces across Australia are starting to take mental health seriously—but there’s still a long way to go. Many employees are struggling in silence, unsure who to turn to, or afraid of being judged if they speak up. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is one practical way workplaces are helping to change that.