A former Goldman Sachs worker is accusing the investment bank of fostering a “culture of bullying” where staff “sobbed through meetings” in a $1.1 million lawsuit filed in London.
Ian Dodd — who worked in Goldman’s London offices because the bank’s global head of recruiting from 2018 to 2021 — argued in his suit that the corporate’s “dysfunctional” workplace led to his own mental breakdown, based on court documents obtained by the Financial Times.
He said within the filing that meetings were characterised by “high emotions, often tears,” based on FT, and he was expected to “work excessive hours.”
The high-stress environment caused Dodd, 55, to reportedly fall ailing in 2019 — one 12 months after joining the firm — though he didn’t quit until two years later.
Dodd claimed that it was common behavior for staffers to speak about their colleagues receiving a “slap” or “punch,” and said that he overheard comments comparable to “take that as your first punch within the face,” FT reported.
Goldman Sachs denied Dodd’s allegations in a defense document filed in London’s High Court, based on the outlet.
“As with many workplaces, there have been occasions when colleagues were upset, for a spread of reasons (sometimes unconnected with work and sometimes connected with work), however it is denied that such instances were frequent or usual,” the bank said within the filing, which was obtained by FT.
![Goldman Sachs' former global head of recruiting accused the investment bank's](https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/NYPICHPDPICT000019930960.jpg?w=1024)
“It’s denied that there was a ‘culture of divisiveness’ or unpleasant infighting on the Defendant, whether as alleged or in any respect,” the court documents added.
Goldman also said that Dodd was incorrect in claiming that staff often “sobbed through meetings” or that there was a “consistently high level of emotion.”
Representatives for Goldman Sachs didn’t immediately reply to The Post’s request for comment.
The Wall Street behemoth has previously been criticized for its harsh work culture.
Last week, sources told The Post that Marc Nachmann — a hard-charging banker who CEO David Solomon last October named global head of the Asset and Wealth Management division — has seen a string of top executives flee on his watch.
Nachmann has alienated some of his most experienced executives who describe him as “cold hearted” and “a one-man show,” sources said. These people add that Nachmann — who has built a fame for slashing costs — is liked by Solomon but not by the individuals who work for him.
Partners and staffers alike reportedly aren’t thrilled with Solomon’s sharp-elbowed management style, either, reportedly testing the loyalty of his No. 2 executive, John Waldron.
As partners grow increasingly frustrated over their skimpy bonuses, Solomon’s private jet use, and his side hustle as a DJ, they’re left wondering if Waldron will give you the option to step out of Solomon’s shadow and forge his own path.
Earlier this 12 months, Goldman staged a “culture fair” to have a good time diversity, equity and inclusion that staffers called “ironic” because it took place the identical week Goldman agreed to pay $215 million to settle a 13-year-old sex discrimination suit during which 2,800 female employees had alleged they were systematically denied pay and promotions.
![Dodd's lawsuit is hardly the first time the bank has been criticized for its toxic work culture. Lately, senior staffers are reportedly turning to CEO David Solomon's No. 2 exec after receiving skimpy bonuses despite their long hours.](https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/NYPICHPDPICT000022357846.jpg?w=1024)
The “fair” was positioned right next to a pop-up that sold company-branded merchandise including Goldman-branded hats, golf balls, duffel bags, and Patagonia vests – dubbed “Fratagonias” by some skeptical employees.
“I suppose they’re celebrating the Goldman culture of treating execs like celebrities and wearing ‘Fratagonias,” one insider sneered.
While it’s unclear how much each item retailed for, an worker said the items “weren’t going for a reduction.” Patagonia vests typically retail between $110 and $180.
“I don’t know why you’d buy that, I’m not going to pay to be a walking billboard for Goldman,” the source added.