A shocking case of overwork has come to light in the financial industry, where a junior bank employee at Robert W. Baird investment bank was hospitalized with pancreatic failure after working a grueling 110-hour week. The bank’s demanding work culture has sparked outrage and raised concerns about the well-being of employees in the industry.
According to reports, the bank’s junior employees were forced to work 20-hour days, with some being scolded for leaving their desks after pulling all-nighters. The excessive workload has taken a toll on the employees’ physical and mental health, with two former members of the bank’s industrials group being hospitalized.
One of the employees who was hospitalized voiced his concerns to human resources, while the other suffered from pancreatic failure, which doctors attributed to the intensive work hours. The employee with pancreatic failure was eventually terminated due to alleged low productivity.
The incident has sparked a debate about the industry’s work culture, with some current junior bankers deeming the long working hours normal. However, former employees disagree, recalling being hesitant to complain about their working conditions for fear of being seen as weak or incompetent.
This is not the first time the financial industry has faced criticism for its treatment of employees. In recent years, several junior bankers have suffered from overwork, with some even losing their lives. The death of Leo Lukenas, a 35-year-old former Bank of America analyst, led to scrutiny and calls for better regulations to protect employees’ well-being.
The case highlights the need for a better work-life balance and more humane working conditions in the financial industry. As the industry continues to evolve, it is essential to prioritize employees’ well-being and ensure that they are not pushed to their limits.
