US Firm Employee Hospitalized With Pancreatic Failure After 110-Hour Workweek: What You Need To Know

Unrealistic working hours on Wall Street are nothing new for those familiar with the culture.

In a shocking turn of events, reports have emerged that junior bankers at Robert W. Baird, a Midwestern investment bank, were allegedly forced to work 110-hour weeks, leading to serious health consequences.

Also read: What Is Celiac Disease? Debunking 4 Myths About Gluten's Immune Reaction

According to sources, two employees were hospitalized, one of whom was diagnosed with pancreatic failure.

Employees at the Midwestern investment bank also revealed that they were assigned 20-hour workdays, and anyone who moved away from their desks after pulling all-nighters was reprimanded.

This isn’t the first time such extreme working conditions have come to light.

In previous incidents, two junior bankers, Carter McIntosh of Jefferies and former Bank of America analyst Leo Lukenas, tragically died after reportedly working up to 100 hours a week.

What is pancreatic failure?

Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) popularly known as pancreatic failure is a condition when your pancreas don't make enough digestive enzymes.

“Enzymes are proteins that cause chemical reactions in your body. Digestive enzymes break down food, allowing your body to get nutrients,” states Cleveland Clinic.

Cause of Pancreatic failure

As per Cleveland Clinic, some issues that can trigger your pancreas to stop making enough digestive enzymes are due to celiac disease, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), pancreatic cancer, surgery on the digestive tract, including weight loss surgery.

Symptoms of pancreatic failure

Individuals with EPI observe difficult times to absorb fats from food which lead to digestive health issues such as: 

• Gas and bloating
• Abdominals pain
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Fatty stools
• Unexplained weight loss