The tragic death of 26-year-old Anna Sebastian Perayil, a chartered accountant working at EY India, has sparked urgent discussions about workplace culture and employee well-being.
Anna, who died just four months into her role, reportedly faced overwhelming work stress, long hours, and unmanageable expectations. Her mother, Anita Augustine, attributed her daughter's death to the pressure of the high-demand environment. In a heartfelt letter to EY India Chairman Rajiv Memani, Anita described Anna as a "dedicated worker" who struggled with "anxiety and exhaustion" under the relentless workload. She urged EY to address the culture of overwork and implement reforms to prevent similar tragedies.
Anita expressed disappointment at the company's lack of support, lamenting the absence of EY representatives at Anna's funeral. She emphasized that workplace demands must be moderated, especially for younger employees starting their careers. By sharing her daughter's story, she hopes to catalyze meaningful reforms at EY.
In response, EY India expressed deep sorrow and extended condolences to Anna's family, calling her passing an "irreparable loss" and stating that they had provided assistance to the family during their distress. The firm reiterated its commitment to improving workplace conditions, ensuring employee well-being, and fostering a healthy work environment. EY India pledged to take the concerns raised by Anna's family seriously and continue their efforts to enhance the overall health and safety of its workforce, stating: "We place the highest importance on the well-being of all employees."
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