Ex-Goldman Sachs recruiting head sues bank for $1.3m, claiming it pushed him so hard he developed a major depressive disorder and heart issues

From Time Magazine:

Ex-Goldman Sachs Global Head of Recruiting in London, Ian Dodd, is suing the bank for more than £1 million after claiming that the “chaotic” working environment caused him to develop major depressive disorder and heart issues due to impossible demands and excessive working hours.

A full trial date has been set for the start of 2025. Dodd, 55, alleges that his onerous workload and the failure of senior leadership partners to provide him with adequate support led to suicidal thoughts, according to documents filed at the High Court.

With previous allegations of extreme hours causing health issues for employees, complaints of working 100-hour weeks and “inhumane” conditions have prompted Goldman to implement innovative measures for work-life balance, such as unlimited vacation for senior staff.

Goldman’s lawyers refute Dodd’s claims, stating that any self-imposed pressure or work excessive hours were not required. A senior manager allegedly told him “an MD should not be working junior banker hours” and denied him the support needed to manage his workload.

Dodd began feeling burnt out by April 2019, working over 80 hours per week and unable to take the train home to meet demands. The lawsuit alleges that Goldman allowed an environment of dysfunctional and bullying behavior to flourish, without providing support for those who were worn down and emotional.

The High Court is set to hear the case at the outset of 2025, and Dodd’s lawyers have not responded to a request for a comment.



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