EY Pune Employee Dies of Work Stress: A heartbreaking incident in Pune has drawn attention to the pressures of corporate life, as a 26-year-old employee at Ernst & Young (EY), Anna Sebastian Perayil, tragically passed away after only four months in her role as a chartered accountant. Her mother, Anita Augustine, attributes her daughter’s death to an overwhelming workload, sparking a vital conversation about the mental health challenges faced by employees in high-pressure environments as reported in Financial Express.
In a moving letter addressed to Rajiv Memani, the Chairman of EY India, Anita painted a picture of Anna as a dedicated and ambitious professional who excelled academically. However, upon entering the corporate world, she struggled to cope with the demands of a job that often required long hours, including weekends. This relentless pressure led to significant anxiety and exhaustion, ultimately taking a toll on her health. What is even more shocking is that no one from the company went to Anna’s funeral, her mother said.
“On Saturday, July 6th, my husband and I reached Pune to attend Anna’s CA Convocation. Since she had been complaining of chest constriction upon reaching her PG late at night (around 1 am) for the past week, we took her to the hospital in Pune. Her ECG was normal, and the cardiologist came to allay our fears, telling us she wasn’t getting enough sleep and was eating very late. He prescribed antacids, which reassured us that it wasn’t anything serious. Though we had come all the way from Kochi, she insisted on going to work after seeing the doctor, saying there was a lot of work to be done and she wouldn’t get leave. That night, she returned to her PG late again. On Sunday, July 7th, the day of her convocation, she joined us in the morning, but she was working from home even that day until the afternoon, and we reached the convocation venue late,” Anita wrote in the letter.
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Anita’s letter also emphasised on the need for EY to reflect on its work culture, urging the firm to reassess its treatment of employees. She highlighted how the culture of overwork not only impacts productivity but can also have devastating consequences on employees’ mental health. The absence of company representatives at Anna’s funeral added to her disappointment, as it underscored a lack of support for employees during times of personal crisis.
“Anna confided in us about the overwhelming workload, especially the additional tasks assigned verbally, beyond the official work. I would tell her not to take on such tasks, but the managers were relentless. She worked late into the night, even on weekends, with no opportunity to catch her breath. Her assistant manager once called her at night with a task that needed to be completed by the next morning, leaving her with barely any time to rest or recover. When she voiced her concerns, she was met with the dismissive response, “You can work at night; that’s what we all do,” the letter said.
This tragic event serves as a critical reminder for organizations to prioritize the mental well-being of their staff, especially those at the beginning of their careers. The pressures of modern corporate environments can lead to burnout and other mental health issues, making it essential for companies to foster a more compassionate and understanding work culture.
Anita hopes that by sharing Anna’s story, meaningful changes will be implemented within EY and similar organizations. She advocates for a shift in mindset, where the mental health of employees is treated with the same importance as financial targets and productivity metrics.
As the corporate world continues to evolve, it is crucial that companies recognize the humanity of their employees. By addressing issues of workload, offering support systems, and fostering open conversations about mental health, organizations can create a more inclusive and caring environment. No family should have to endure the loss of a loved one due to work-related stress, and Anna’s story serves as a call to action for all businesses to prioritize their employees’ well-being.
EY responded to the tragic death of their employee after a row sparked on the social media platforms condemning the work culture of EY naming it as Toxic by stating, “We are deeply saddened by Anna Sebastian’s tragic and untimely passing. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to her bereaved family,” read EY’s official statement. The company further added that they had provided all possible support to her family during this difficult time and would continue to offer assistance. “While no measure can compensate for the loss experienced by the family, we have extended all the assistance we can and will continue to do so.”
EY acknowledged the importance of addressing the family’s concerns and hinted at future changes to improve workplace conditions. “We are taking the family’s correspondence seriously and are committed to continuously improving the well-being of our employees. The health and safety of our workforce are of utmost importance, and we are dedicated to creating a healthy work environment for our 100,000 people across EY member firms in India,” the statement concluded.
Source : financialexpress
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