More Than Lip Service: Why Employer Care Must Go Beyond World Mental Health Day

In August, the tragic story of Denise Prudhomme, a 60-year-old Wells Fargo employee found dead at her desk days after clocking in, made headlines and sparked crucial conversations about how much—or how little—employers care for their employees. This heartbreaking incident serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of prioritizing employee well-being, both physical and mental. It’s a timely reflection, especially as World Mental Health Day is today.

The unsettling fact that Prudhomme went unnoticed for four days in a corporate office with security present around the clock forces us to ask: How connected are we to the people we work alongside every day? Are we fostering environments where employees feel valued, seen, and supported? Or have we allowed productivity and performance metrics to overshadow the need for human connection in the workplace?

A Wake-Up Call for Employers

In the aftermath of Prudhomme’s death, Wells Fargo?expressed sadness and emphasized reviewing their safety and wellness procedures. But, for many, this response seems reactive rather than proactive. The situation highlights the broader issue: many companies are still lagging when it comes to truly understanding and supporting the overall wellness of their employees. Wellness is not just about having counselors available after a tragedy—it’s about creating systems and cultures where employees feel cared for?and consistently prioritizing their well-being.

Prudhomme’s death is a stark reminder that safety nets in the workplace need to be more robust. If an employee can pass away at her desk unnoticed for days, it raises questions about how often we are failing to check in on our colleagues, not just physically but emotionally and mentally as well.

Mental Health at Work: A Collective Responsibility

Today, on World Mental Health Day, we must emphasize the critical role employers play in supporting mental health. While many companies offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) and wellness initiatives, many employees still don’t feel comfortable accessing these resources due to stigma, fear of judgment, or lack of time. Moreover, in hybrid or remote work environments, where face-to-face interactions are minimized, it becomes even more challenging to notice when an employee is struggling.

Employers must take a more proactive approach, recognizing the signs of burnout, stress, or mental health issues before they reach a crisis point. This means fostering a culture where mental health is openly discussed, and employees know it’s okay to not be okay. It's about integrating mental health into the fabric of work rather than treating it as an afterthought or a box to be checked.

Creating a Culture of Care

To create a workplace that genuinely supports mental health, employers need to move beyond offering reactive measures and implement meaningful strategies:

1. Regular Check-Ins: Managers and leaders should frequently check in with employees—not just about their workload but about their overall well-being. A simple “How are you, really?” can go a long way.
2. Training for Empathy: Leaders and managers need training in mental health awareness and empathetic leadership. Understanding the signs of burnout, anxiety, or depression and knowing how to respond can prevent tragedies like Prudhomme’s.
3. Encouraging Connection: In the age of hybrid work, isolation is a real concern. Employers must foster opportunities for genuine human connection, both in-person and virtually. Team-building exercises, social check-ins, and mental health days can create a supportive community.
4. Normalizing Mental Health Days: Employees should feel encouraged to take time off for their mental well-being without fear of repercussions. Just as we wouldn’t expect someone to work through a physical illness, we should create space for recovery from mental exhaustion or stress.
5. Leading by Example: Leadership sets the tone. When executives and managers prioritize their own mental health and speak openly about it, they create a safe environment for employees to do the same.

A Call to Action

As an employer or leader, I challenge you to reflect on your current practices: Are you doing enough to ensure your employees feel supported, both physically and mentally? Are your wellness programs accessible, inclusive, and actively promoted? More importantly, are you fostering a culture of care that prevents tragedies before they occur?

Let’s use this World Mental Health Day as an opportunity to reset and refocus on what truly matters: the well-being of our people. Because at the end of the day, no one should feel invisible—at work or anywhere else.

If you need help evaluating your programs, educating your employees or promoting wellness in your workplace, please reach out to Life Force Wellness LLC for a free consult call. Together, we can create a future where every employee feels cared for, valued, and supported, not just in times of crisis but every day.