The death of a 35-year-old Microsoft engineer at his workplace has prompted his family to urge tech companies to better protect employees from overwork and stress.
Pratik Pandey was found unresponsive in the courtyard of Microsoft’s Mountain View office at around 2 a.m. on August 19, hours after returning to work at 7:50 p.m. the previous evening.
His uncle, Manoj Pandey, said the Santa Clara County Medical Examiner’s initial report suggests he suffered a heart attack.
Despite having no known medical conditions, Pandey had told his roommate and colleagues he was experiencing heavy stress from managing multiple projects simultaneously, according to Satish Chandra, an IT professional and community leader.
“Tech companies should monitor employees working late into the night and take steps to reduce workplace stress,” his uncle said.
“That will probably save a life. It’s a lot of pain for the family when a loved one passes away.”
The Mountain View Police Department confirmed no foul play was involved.
Pandey was known for his dedication and often worked long hours. In his free time, he enjoyed soccer, ping pong, and cricket. His uncle remembered him as “a very positive person.”
Originally from Indore, India, Pandey came to the United States about ten years ago to earn a master’s degree at San Jose State University.
He had worked at Apple, Illumina, and Walmart Labs before joining Microsoft in July 2020, where he contributed to the company’s Fabric data analytics platform.
His body will be returned to India, where his parents and two sisters live.
