Microsoft Engineer's Death Raises Alarm Over Tech Industry's Culture of Overwork

Microsoft engineer Pratik Pandey, 35, died at the company's Mountain View campus after working late into the night. His family demands tech firms take action against overworking, citing stress as a contributing factor. Pandey's uncle urged companies to monitor staff working late and help reduce anxiety. His death reignites the debate on work-life balance and the toll of stress on young professionals in the tech industry.

A recent incident involving a Microsoft engineer, Pratik Pandey, has sparked a national conversation about the pressures faced by young professionals in the tech industry. Pandey, a 35-year-old resident of Mountain View, California, died from a stress-induced heart attack while working late at his desk. His family and colleagues are now urging tech companies to address the issue of overworking and extreme work pressure [1].

Pandey's uncle has made a public plea to tech corporations, calling for measures to monitor and limit employee working hours. "That will probably save a life," he said. "It's a lot of pain for the family when a loved one passes away." Pandey's remains are being sent back to India, where his family resides. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of a high-pressure work environment [1].

The tragedy of Pandey's death has reignited the debate on work-life balance and the toll of stress on young professionals in the tech industry. The tech sector is notorious for its long hours and tight deadlines, and the added stress from jobs being replaced by AI tools and chatbots has exacerbated the issue. According to recent data, the percentage of young Gen Z employees between the ages of 21 and 25 has been cut in half at technology companies over the past two years [2].

The average age of an employee at a tech company is rising, with the average age of all employees at large public technology businesses increasing from 34.3 years to 39.4 years between January 2023 and July 2025. This shift has been attributed to AI automation, which is automating roles from entry-level upwards. The situation is particularly concerning for Gen Z, who are being boxed out of the industry [2].

While the situation looks grim for Gen Zers looking to get a job at a tech firm, experts suggest that they can leverage their unique skills and assets. Being new to the industry can work to their advantage, as they can bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. They should focus on upskilling and taking on new career pathways within the tech industry [2].

The incident involving Pratik Pandey highlights the urgent need for tech companies to reassess their work culture and prioritize employee well-being. The tech industry must address the issue of overworking and extreme work pressure to prevent similar tragedies in the future. It is crucial to strike a balance between productivity and employee health to ensure the long-term success and stability of the industry.

References:
[1] https://www.financialexpress.com/life/technology-after-35-year-indian-origin-microsoft-engineers-death-his-family-pleads-for-ending-overwork-culture-3969606/
[2] https://fortune.com/2025/09/07/silicon-valley-gen-z-tech-industry-jobs-dissappearing-millennials-ai-automation-careers-older-workforce/