The recent death of Anna Sebastian Perayil, a 26-year-old chartered accountant at Ernst & Young (EY) in Pune, has ignited a heated debate about toxic work Culture. Perayil passed away on July 20, just four months into her tenure at EY. Her mother, Anita Augustine, has publicly criticized the “overwhelming” work pressure at the consulting firm, attributing it to her daughter’s demise.
Workplace Pressure and Its Impact
In a poignant letter to EY India Chairman Rajiv Memani, Anita Augustine detailed how the intense workload affected her daughter both physically and mentally. Augustine described how Perayil often worked late into the night and on weekends, arriving home exhausted and collapsing into bed in her work clothes. She noted the absence of any of Perayil’s colleagues, including her manager, at the young woman’s funeral, further highlighting the lack of support.
Social Media Backlash and Calls for Reform
The letter has sparked widespread outrage on social media, where thousands have shared their own experiences of working in high-pressure environments. Many users are echoing Augustine’s calls for broader reforms in workplace culture.
Radhika Roy, an X (formerly Twitter) user, lamented the broader issue of exploitative work practices in India, stating: “This is so heartbreaking. Work culture in India is horrid. Pay is dismal, exploitation is max. There are zero repercussions & no remorse on the part of employers who routinely harass workers.”
Hussain Haidry criticized the persistent issues at Big Four accounting firms, including EY, which have long been known for their demanding work hours. Meanwhile, CA Rishika Gupta and singer Paushali Sahu highlighted that the normalization of “late sitting” and overwork extends beyond EY to many other corporates.
Expert Insight
Dr. Jini K. Gopinath, Chief Psychology Officer at mental health startup YourDost, emphasized the importance of creating supportive work environments. She noted, “In many corporate settings, employees face significant stress due to a lack of perceived support, long hours, and intense competition. It is crucial for organizations to foster a culture where employees feel safe to express their concerns and seek support.”
The tragedy has brought renewed attention to the need for systemic changes in work culture, particularly in high-stress professions, underscoring the necessity for companies to prioritize employee well-being and mental health.