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Two Wall Street Bankers Die from Overwork
Two young financiers from the investment bank Robert W. Baird have died, allegedly due to extreme workloads — up to 110 working hours per week. Workdays often lasted until 4 a.m.
Two employees of the investment bank Robert W. Baird died after a prolonged period of working under extreme stress. According to information published by The Wall Street Journal, the cause of their deaths may have been systematic overwork exceeding 100 hours per week. The junior analysts’ workload at the company reached up to 110 hours a week, with workdays sometimes ending at 4 a.m.
The publication notes that such a workload has become standard practice for entry-level employees in the banking sector, especially on Wall Street. Junior specialists participate in preparing presentations, financial models, and reports under high competition and tight deadlines. The pressure is exacerbated by the need for constant communication with clients and senior colleagues, requiring 24/7 availability.
One of the deceased employees worked in the investment banking division and had previously told colleagues about chronic fatigue. Investigation materials indicate he suffered from sleep disorders and stress-related issues. The second employee had worked at the bank for less than a year and, according to sources, also experienced significant pressure trying to meet management expectations.
Representatives of Robert W. Baird expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and announced an internal audit of working conditions. In an official statement, the company emphasized that employee safety and well-being are a priority. Management promised to review workload distribution policies and strengthen mental health support measures.
The deaths sparked public outcry and drew attention to the entrenched culture of overwork on Wall Street. Similar cases have occurred in other major investment banks. In 2013, a 21-year-old intern at Bank of America died in London after working three consecutive days. That case also led to broad discussions about labor practices in the investment sector.
Analysts say the problem lies in the combination of high competition and unspoken corporate norms, where overwork is viewed as a sign of professional dedication. This is especially true for junior staff trying to establish themselves in the company. Often, they work overtime without additional pay, relying on future career advancement.
Several human rights organizations have called on US financial institutions to tighten labor safety standards. In particular, they propose introducing mandatory limits on weekly working hours and expanding access to psychological support. Most large banks currently offer mental health programs, but employees often avoid them for fear of being seen as weak or unmotivated.
The US Department of Labor has not yet issued an official statement. However, experts believe this incident may prompt a renewed discussion on amending labor regulations in the financial sector. Similar initiatives have previously been proposed but failed to gain broad support from the business community.
Congressional committees may revisit the issue amid renewed public attention. Meanwhile, some firms have begun their own reviews of junior employee working conditions. Several banks, including Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase, have announced plans to revise task allocation systems and introduce new workload control standards.
Experts warn that without systemic change, the industry may continue losing young professionals to burnout and health problems. According to research, about 60% of investment banking employees experience symptoms of chronic stress within their first year of work.
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