The tragic death of 26-year-old Anna Sebastian, an employee of Ernst & Young (EY) in Pune, has left many shocked and grieving. Anna’s mother wrote a heart-wrenching letter to EY India Chairman Rajiv Memani, in which she claimed her daughter was “overworked” and “exhausted.” This has ignited a crucial conversation about work-life balance and reignited discussions around Narayana Murthy’s controversial “70-hour work week” remark from last year.
During a conversation with former Infosys CFO Mohandas Pai last year, Infosys founder Narayana Murthy stated that Indian youth should work for at least 70 hours a week to improve the nation’s productivity. His remark triggered heated debates on social media, with many people either supporting or opposing the notion. The recent death of Anna Sebastian has brought this issue back into the spotlight, highlighting the immense pressure faced by many professionals in India’s corporate world.
The tragic incident has led many to express their concerns on social media platforms. Chartered Accountant Rishika Gupta posted on X: “While EY is being shamed, it should be said that ‘late sitting’ culture and overworking have been glorified or seen as the norm not only in the Big 4 but also in many corporates. Remember Narayan Murthy’s 70-hour work week?”
While EY is being shamed it should be said that “late sitting” culture and overworking has been glorified or seen as the norm not only in the Big 4 but many corporates. Remember Narayan Murthy’s 70 hour work week?
— CA Rishika Gupta (@rishrox19) September 18, 2024
This post sparked a wave of reactions. One user commented, “You raise a valid point. While the recent events at EY are concerning, it’s important to recognize that long work hours and a culture of overwork are prevalent in many corporate settings, not just the Big 4.” Another user echoed this sentiment, stating, “Leaving for the day on time is a crime nowadays in corporate culture.” A third commenter added, “I was wondering why no one raised this. Mr. Murthy was asking for exactly this.”
In response to the tragic death, EY issued a statement expressing its sorrow. “We are deeply saddened by Anna Sebastian’s tragic and untimely passing in July 2024, and our deepest condolences go to the bereaved family,” the statement read.
EY also stated that they had provided support to the family during this difficult time: “While no measure can compensate for the loss experienced by the family, we have provided all the assistance as we always do in such times of distress and will continue to do so.”
The statement highlighted that Anna had joined the Audit team at S R Batliboi, a member firm of EY Global, in March 2024 and had been with the firm for a brief period of four months. “That her promising career was cut short in this tragic manner is an irreparable loss for all of us,” the statement concluded.
Anna Sebastian’s tragic death has brought renewed attention to the pressures faced by professionals in India’s corporate sector. It has become a stark reminder of the need for better work-life balance and healthier corporate cultures. Many are now calling for change, urging companies to prioritize the well-being of their employees over the demands of an overworked and exhausting culture.
