Top story: Anna Perayil, 26-year-old EY consultant, passes away amidst difficult work conditions

The tragic death of 26-year-old Ernst & Young (EY) employee Anna Sebastian Perayil has sparked a widespread debate about toxic work culture in India’s corporate sector. Anna, who worked as a chartered accountant at EY’s Pune office, passed away just four months into her job. Her family attributes her death to a combination of severe work stress, long hours, and health issues, which they believe were exacerbated by the demands of her position.

Anna’s mother, Anita Augustine, wrote a heartfelt letter to EY India’s management, explaining how her daughter’s workload and late hours took a toll on her physical and mental health. Despite experiencing chest pains and sleep deprivation, Anna continued to work long hours, including weekends. The situation worsened, and her mother feels that the company’s unrealistic expectations contributed to her daughter’s untimely passing.

In response, EY expressed deep condolences but denied that work pressure caused Anna’s death. Rajiv Memani, EY India’s chief, stated that Anna’s workload was no different from that of her peers and that work pressure was not a contributing factor. However, this has done little to quell the outpouring of anger and frustration from current and former employees who shared their experiences with the company’s punishing work culture.

Online, professionals from EY and other major accounting firms, like Deloitte and KPMG, described similarly grueling schedules, with some working 12 to 18 hours a day, even during non-busy seasons. Many said they were expected to work on public holidays and weekends, with little regard for their personal well-being. Employees spoke out about being seen as mere “resources,” often receiving minimal support from their managers, and feeling pressure to overwork in order to achieve promotions.

The conversation about toxic work environments in corporate India extends beyond EY. Industry leaders, including Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy, have been criticized for promoting overwork as a necessity for national development. In fact, data shows that 51% of India’s workforce logs more than 49 hours per week, with workplace stress and burnout being major issues. A report from the Confederation of Indian Industries found that 62% of Indian employees experience burnout, raising concerns about the country's labor practices.

Anna’s death has prompted India’s Ministry of Labor to announce an investigation into allegations of unsafe work environments at major firms like EY, raising hopes for change in the country’s corporate work culture.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Anna’s family and friends.

Read more here.

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