NAB whistleblower speaks out after worker plunged from 14th-floor in Docklands in front of colleagues
A whistleblower claims the suicide of a NAB worker is just the latest in a series of self-harm incidents within the bank and has exposed its toxic workplace culture.
A man working in the fraud division took his own life, plunging from the rooftop of one of NAB’s two corporate skyscrapers in Docklands just after 2pm on Thursday.
It’s understood staff members who saw the worker plunge from the rooftop were ordered by management not to speak to media, and to remove anything which might identify them as a NAB employee when they left the building.
While the whistleblower did not speculate on the worker’s personal circumstances, he described NAB – Australia’s second-largest bank – as ‘the worst place I’ve ever worked, by far’.
‘There are deeper and systemic issues at NAB that require attention,’ he said. ‘It’s a s*** show, to put it frankly.’
The insider claimed confronting and ‘triggering’ photos have been shared by employees on Microsoft Teams, without disclosing the exact details of the images.
It is unclear whether those photos relate to last week’s tragedy or to other suicide attempts by NAB employees alleged by the whistleblower.
But the whistleblower said a number of staff members had been deeply impacted by the content of the Teams messages.
A man plunged from the 14th floor of NAB’s Docklands building on Thursday (scene pictured)
The man plunged from the 14th floor at 700 Bourke Street. Pictured: A lunch area on the 14th storey of NAB’s Docklands building
The NAB building in Docklands features a rooftop terrace with an open kitchen and herb garden (pictured). It is enclosed within a shoulder-high glass barrier
The former employee accused NAB of ‘negligence’ and a ‘failure in duty of care’ in its treatment of staff.
He said there was a ‘failure to properly address toxic and inappropriate workplace conduct’.
He also accused management of ‘not taking the mental health of employees seriously or providing adequate support systems’, and of failing to lead by example.
He said he had contacted current and former staff who continue to struggle due to their experience at the bank, which uses the cosy corporate slogan ‘More than money’ in its ads.
A NAB spokesperson would not comment on the suicide or the whistleblower’s claims.
The bank’s $300million Docklands building at 700 Bourke Street was designed to ‘bolster employees’ health and well-being’, according to a NAB press release.
The office block can accommodate 5,600 employees, and features ‘parent rooms, large studios for exercise, multi-faith rooms, and spaces for quiet contemplation’.
The rooftop features a ‘Feng Shui-inspired tranquil rooftop garden’, which includes timber decking, custom furniture, hanging baskets and bamboo plants, an outdoor kitchen complete with a herb garden and meals area.
The suicide of a NAB employee has exposed the bank’s alleged toxic workplace, says a company whistleblower (NAB Docklands is pictured)
It’s understood staff members who saw the worker plunge from the rooftop were ordered by management not to speak to media (pictured: inside the Docklands building)
Pictured: Office spaces inside NAB’s Docklands building, where a man fell to his death on Thursday
There is a transparent, shoulder-high wall around the perimeter of the rooftop for safety reasons.
Victoria Police confirmed it responded to the incident in the CBD on Thursday afternoon.
‘Police will prepare a report for the coroner following the death of a man in Docklands on March 5,’ a police statement read.
‘The body of a man, who is yet to be formally identified, was located on Bourke Street about 2pm.’
A report will be prepared for the coroner.
If this has raised any issues for you, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue 1300 224 636 for confidential crisis support
