A 26-year-old Chartered Accountant, Anna Sebastian Perayil, who had recently joined Ernst & Young (EY) Pune, tragically passed away due to what her family claims was extreme work stress. This heartbreaking incident has raised significant concerns about corporate work culture, particularly for young professionals transitioning into the workforce.
A Promising Career Cut Short
Anna Sebastian Perayil, a young Chartered Accountant from Kerala, had passed her CA exams in 2023 and joined EY Pune in March 2024. This was her first job, and she worked diligently to meet the firm’s expectations. However, the overwhelming workload and constant pressure led to a decline in her health, and she tragically passed away just four months into her new role.
Overwork and Stress: The Silent Killers
According to Anna’s mother, Anita Augustine, her daughter’s stress and anxiety began soon after starting the job. Anna faced sleepless nights and immense pressure, often working late into the night and on weekends. Her manager reportedly rescheduled meetings during cricket matches and regularly assigned tasks at the end of the day, adding to her growing stress. A senior leader even joked at an office party about the difficulties Anna would face under her manager, a reality she could not escape.
Glorification of Overwork
In an email to EY’s India head, Rajiv Memani, Anna’s mother criticized the firm for “glorifying overwork.” Despite being new to the job, Anna was overloaded with both official duties and verbal extra tasks. Augustine shared how Anna’s health deteriorated as she struggled to meet the excessive demands. Her daughter often returned home utterly exhausted, collapsing on her bed only to be met with more work messages.
A Wake-Up Call for Corporates
Anna’s tragic death should serve as a wake-up call for organizations, especially those in high-pressure industries. Her mother urged EY to rethink its work culture and take meaningful steps to prioritize employee well-being. Many, including political leader Priyanka Chaturvedi, echoed these sentiments, calling for companies to reassess their HR policies and focus on mental health, particularly for young professionals transitioning from student life to the corporate world.
Time for Change
The untimely death of Anna Perayil has exposed the harsh realities of corporate overwork. Her mother’s plea to EY and similar organizations is simple yet profound: prioritize the well-being of your employees, for no job should ever come at the cost of a life.
