Upon learning about the case of 60-year-old Denise Prudhomme, a Wells Fargo employee who tragically passed away at her workstation, I felt a deep sorrow that her last moments were spent alone in a cubicle.

Did she not have colleagues or friends who could check on her? It’s heartbreaking to think about.

This incident made me reflect on the alarming number of Americans who are overworked and fatigued. It brought to mind a saying often credited to actor Jet Li: “You’re sacrificing yourself for a job that would replace you within a week if you passed away. Prioritize your health.”

While we may not know all the circumstances behind Prudhomme’s passing, we do know she started her workday early Friday and was found deceased in her office by Tuesday afternoon. The exact cause of death was not immediately known, but authorities reported no indications of foul play. Wells Fargo expressed their condolences to her family.

Each day, 15 Americans lose their lives at work

In 2022, the Bureau of Labor and Statistics reported 5,486 fatalities in the workplace, including homicides and fatal mishaps. The notion that 15 individuals die on the job every single day in our country is unimaginable.

American workers are fatigued and overburdened, with numerous employees earning meager wages and experiencing job dissatisfaction. Despite significant wage increases in recent years, the average salary for an American remains under $60,000 annually.

During a challenging period, I juggled three jobs, managed school, and cared for three children. With my husband serving in the military, often working 12-hour shifts and engaged in exercises, I often found myself as a solo parent.

I felt completely overwhelmed and utterly drained. The only relief I found was in quitting one of my jobs, which led to increased financial uncertainty, family stress, and a sense of regret. However, the brighter side was that I was not as tired anymore.

Last year, Rep. Mark Takano, a Democrat from California, proposed a bill aimed at reducing the standard workweek from 40 to 32 hours. This legislation, supported by eight other Democrats, was submitted to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.

Sadly, the committee took no action regarding the proposal. Until any real change happens, we must take control of our own wellness by establishing workplace boundaries.

If you’re unwell, it should be straightforward to skip work, right? Yet, more than 20% of employees lack the benefit of paid sick days. Missing a day of unpaid work often leads to more pressure regarding bills.

Even though over 90% of Americans have health coverage, nearly half visit the doctor regularly due to lack of comprehensive insurance. The high expenses of co-pays and medications also prevent people from seeking medical attention.

On average, Americans work 260 days a year, accumulating about 11 days of paid leave along with eight paid sick days. This totals 19 paid days off per year.

However, when I contracted COVID-19 in 2021, I was out for seven days – resulting in 40 hours of unpaid work loss.

Establish workplace boundaries to safeguard your health

The unfortunate story of Prudhomme serves as a crucial reminder for all of us to prioritize our health. The societal expectation placed on workers—that exhaustion, overwork, and solitude frequently go unnoticed until it’s too late—is both dangerous and outdated.

If we do not prioritize our own well-being, no one else will. We cannot afford to await legal reforms or expect employers to value us above profit. We must set boundaries and strive for a balance in our lives.

Let us not wait for calamity to spur us into action. It’s essential to live fully now.

Marla Bautista is a military fellow columnist at YSL News Opinion.