The union representing Wells Fargo employees has released a statement expressing grief and frustration following the death of Denise Prudhomme, a 60-year-old employee who was found deceased at her desk in Tempe, Arizona, on August 20. Prudhomme, a Business Execution Consultant in Corporate Banking, had been dead for four days before her body was discovered. According to Tempe police, no foul play is suspected.
In its statement, Wells Fargo Workers United conveyed their sadness and outrage, highlighting the contradictions between the company’s rigorous electronic surveillance of employees and the fact that Prudhomme’s absence went unnoticed for several days. The union pointed out that while Wells Fargo closely monitors employees’ productivity through keystrokes and remote tracking, Prudhomme’s death was not discovered until days later, underscoring what the union called “the reality of what it means to be a worker at Wells Fargo.”
Sources revealed that Prudhomme worked in a less populated area of the building, where many employees typically worked from home. Additionally, Prudhomme was the only person on her team working in Tempe, which may have contributed to her going unnoticed. Security checks between cubicles were reportedly rare, according to those familiar with the office.
The union also criticized Wells Fargo’s return-to-office policies, stating that they force some employees to relocate to “hub cities” even when their teams or supervisors work remotely. These policies, according to the union, have negatively impacted employee morale.
In response, Wells Fargo issued a statement expressing condolences to Prudhomme’s family and loved ones, emphasizing its commitment to supporting employees during difficult times. The company stated that it had adhered to its policy of notifying Prudhomme’s next of kin before communicating the news to employees, which caused some delay in internal notification.
The union’s statement called for four key changes, including more transparency surrounding Prudhomme’s death and a reevaluation of the company’s return-to-office and relocation policies. They also stressed the need for better safety measures and a more supportive work environment rather than increased monitoring.
Wells Fargo reiterated the importance of in-person work for fostering success and building community. They encouraged employees to share their concerns to help improve the company’s culture.
The death of Prudhomme has sparked conversations around workplace safety, employee well-being, and the company’s policies regarding remote and in-office work.
