Are you working yourself to death? Your job won't prioritize your well-being. You can.
When I first read the story of 60-year-old Denise Prudhomme, a Wells Fargo employee who was found dead at her desk four days after she clocked in to the office, I was saddened that her last breath was taken at work in a cubicle.
Did she not have any friends or peers she associated with at work? Was no one checking in on her? Heartbreaking.
It got me thinking about how overworked and exhausted many Americans are. It also reminded me of a quote often attributed to actor Jet Li: “You’re killing yourself for a job that would replace you within a week if you dropped dead. Take care of yourself.”
We don't know many of the details surrounding Prudhomme's death, but we do know she started work early on a Friday morning and was found dead in the office on a Tuesday afternoon. A cause of death was not immediately determined, but police said there were no signs of foul play. Wells Fargo issued a statement offering condolences to Prudhomme's family.
15 Americans die at work every day
In 2022, the Bureau of Labor and Statistics recorded 5,486 workplace fatalities, including homicides and fatal accidents. The thought of 15 people dying at work each day on average in our country is inconceivable.
America’s employees are tired and overworked, with many earning low wages and suffering from jobdissatisfaction. Although wages have increased significantly in recent years, the average American still makes less than $60,000 per year.
At one point, I worked three jobs, attended school and cared for three children. My husband is in themilitary, often on duty for 12-hour shifts and involved in military exercises, which left me to be asolo parent much of the time.
I was overwhelmed and exhausted. The only reprieve came by quitting one of my jobs, which led to greater financial insecurity, more family stress and regret. The silver lining − I wasn't as tired.
Overworked and underpaid:My life as a teacher left me frustrated. And thankful.
Last year, Rep. Mark Takano, D-Calif., introduced a bill that would reduce the standard workweekfrom 40 to 32 hours. The bill, sponsored by eight other Democrats, was sent to the HouseCommittee on Education and the Workforce.
Unfortunately, the committee took no action on the legislation. Until something legally changes, we have to exercise agency over our own well-being by setting boundaries in the workplace.
If you're too sick to work, it's simple, just don't go in, right? But more than 1 in 5 workers don't have the benefit of paid sick days. And missing an unpaid day of work often means more stress over paying the bills.
Although more than 90% of Americans have health insurance, nearly half of Americans don't go to the doctor regularly, in part because they lack comprehensive medical coverage. The high cost of medical co-pays and medication also deter people from going to the doctor.
The average American works 260 days per year and accrues around 11 days of paid time off and eight paid sickdays. That's a total of 19 days each year you can miss work and still be paid.
But the first time I got COVID-19 in 2021, I was out of work for seven days – with 40 unpaid work hours.
Changing corporate America:Gen Z is redefining what workers should expect from their employers. It's a good thing.
Set boundaries at work to protect your health
Prudhomme's tragic story should be a reminder to us all to take care of ourselves. Society’s expectation of employees − where exhaustion, overwork and isolation often go unnoticed until it's too late − is unsafe and outdated.
If we're not prioritizing our own well-being, no one will. We can’t afford to wait for laws to change or for employers to prioritize us over profits. We have to set boundaries and seek balance.
Let’s not wait for tragedy to push us into action. We need to live now.
Marla Bautista is a military fellow columnist at USA TODAY Opinion.