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October 4, 2023

#TBT: The Tax Guy Who Died at His Desk And No One Noticed

We aren't sure why we've been getting tons of tips about this story considering it's only 11 years old and all — perhaps some of you are feeling a bit mortal these days?

Dateline – Finland, January 2004:

The man in his 60s died last Tuesday while checking tax returns, but no-one realised he was dead until Thursday.
 
The head of personnel at the office in the Finnish capital, Helsinki, said the man's closest colleagues had been out at meetings when he died.
 
He said everyone at the tax office was feeling dreadful – and procedures would have to be reviewed.
 
An anonymous government official told BBC News Online the man had been working in his own office with the door closed.
 
"People thought he wanted to work in peace and no-one disturbed him," the official said.
 
He was found only when a friend called to have lunch with him.

In considering your own mortality, remember to leave your door open and be the type of worker who your colleagues might look for if, say, you happen to die at your desk. If no one sees you for two days and thinks that is totally normal, you have a problem.

 

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