Denise Prudhomme died at her desk and no one noticed for 4 days. It tells us one thing.

On Friday August 16, Denise Prudhomme went to work and never left. 

Some time after the 60-year-old walked into her Wells Fargo building at 7am, she passed away at her desk and was found four days later.

Four days. 

For four days, no one checked on Denise. 

For four days, no one walked over to her desk for a chat.

For four days, no one asked if she wanted to get a coffee or some fresh air.

For four days, no one said good morning to her or asked, "What are you still doing here so late?" 

Watch: The signs of workplace bullying. Post continues below. 

According to local outlets, authorities were called to the building in Tempe, Arizona on Monday, August 20 after building security reported a "subject down".

An anonymous employee told 12News Denise was found in her cubicle by a colleague and was officially pronounced dead at 4.55pm.

Other reports described how staff had smelled a "foul odour" but blamed it on a fault plumbing issue. 

As unbelievably shocking as this story is, it also feels particularly jarring to women working in corporate work environments. 

Every woman I've talked to about this news had the same reaction. Of course, it was one of horror. But then they all asked, "would my workplace know if I died at my desk?"

As someone who lives alone, this story has shaken me to my core.

There have been many weekends where I haven't talked to anyone. I would tell family and friends I just needed a weekend to myself and would go to my favourite cafes, go on long walks, clean my apartment and watch my favourite movies. 

So, if I was at my desk over the entire weekend, it would be understandable that no one would know. What shocked me is that no one at Denise's place of work knew she had passed away. 

In my office, although we don't have cubicles like Denise's workplace, my desk is in the corner and not many people can see me typing away behind my computer. However, there is no way that I would go unnoticed for even an hour of the day (and it's not just because of my loud personality). 

My manager checks in with me every single day both online or in person. I also message multiple people and if I didn't respond by the end of the work day, it would be noticed. 

People will come up to my desk and ask me how my weekend was regardless if I work directly with them or not. 

That's just the bare minimum level of contact I have on any given day. After reading about what happened to Denise, it showed me that, unfortunately, this bare minimum level of contact in the workplace isn't the same across the board. 

When this story went viral, a lot of women shared the same level of disbelief online, visibly shaken. 

@bronzeexcuses #wellsfargo #4days #currentevents ♬ To be loved is to be changed - ⋆

TikTok user Meg posted a video about Denise with text that read: "She was dead for 4 days. 4 days at her desk, and no one stopped to say good morning/goodnight. No one asked if she needed coffee/lunch. No one checked on her. I can't imagine how lonely she must have felt before her death in that office." 

In the comments, the sentiment was the same. 

"That fact she was clocked in the whole time and no one checked, no managers, no HR, not even a call from outside of work, this is so tragic. I’m sorry Denise," one person said. 

"How did a supervisor or manager never check in on her? That just baffles my mind. RIP Denise. You’re no longer alone," said another. 

"This just shows how companies don't care about people...you're literally a body... dead or alive... at a desk. RIP Denise, you deserved better," said another. 

For others, Denise's death was a wake-up call and a reminder to not burn yourself out for your employer who — at least in this circumstance — literally may not even notice you're gone. 

"Take your PTO, don’t cancel plans for work. See your family, enjoy your life. Because this is my #1 fear as a corporate baddie," one person commented. 

"That's why I never give my whole life to a company no matter how much they pay me and reward me," added another.  

As Denise's death is being investigated, a spokesperson at her employer, Wells Fargo, released a statement. 

"We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our colleague. Our thoughts and prayers are with their family and loved ones during this difficult time. Counsellors, through our employee assistance consulting service, are available to support our employees." 

They also added that they're "reviewing our own internal procedures after this event."

If you want more from Emily Vernem, you can follow her on Instagram @emilyvernem.

Feature image: Canva.