In a tragic turn of events, a 26-year-old employee of Ernst & Young (EY) in Pune lost her life, allegedly due to an overwhelming workload. Anna Sebastian Perayil, a chartered accountant from Kerala, had only been with the firm for four months when her mother, Anita Augustine, penned an emotional letter to EY India’s leadership, holding the company responsible for her daughter’s untimely death. The heart-wrenching letter has since sparked discussions around the company’s work culture and employee well-being.
Augustine addressed the letter to Rajiv Memani, Chairman of EY India, where she outlined the severe emotional and physical toll the job had taken on her daughter. “However, the workload, new environment and long hours took a toll on her physically, emotionally and mentally,” she wrote, recounting how Anna had begun experiencing anxiety, sleepless nights, and unbearable stress shortly after joining the company in March.
Despite the evident strain on her health, Anna remained determined to succeed. “But, she kept pushing herself, believing that hard work and perseverance were the keys to success,” her mother added. Unfortunately, this dedication came at a tremendous cost. Augustine shared that Anna’s health started deteriorating around the time of her convocation in Pune.
Read the letter here:
Health Concerns Ignored
On Saturday, July 6, Anna’s parents flew from Kochi to Pune to attend her Chartered Accountant convocation. Upon arriving at her accommodation, Anna complained of chest tightness, which had been persisting for about a week. Concerned, they took her to a hospital in Pune where, after an ECG, the cardiologist assured them that it was nothing serious. “The cardiologist came to allay our fears, telling us she wasn’t getting enough sleep and was eating very late,” her mother recalled. The doctor prescribed antacids and reassured the family.
Despite her deteriorating condition, Anna insisted on going back to work immediately after the hospital visit. “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,” Augustine explained. This relentless drive to fulfill her work commitments persisted even on Sunday, the day of her convocation, where she worked from home until the afternoon before rushing to the venue.
A Dream Cut Short by Work Pressure
It had been Anna’s “great dream” to attend her convocation alongside her parents, a moment she had worked hard for. She had proudly booked their flights with her own earnings. Sadly, the experience was overshadowed by her work commitments. “She couldn’t make the most of the moment because of work pressure,” her mother lamented.
Anna’s workload had been excessive since she joined a specific team at EY, where several employees had already resigned due to the intensity of the job. In a shocking statement from her manager, Anna was told, “Anna, you must stick around and change everyone’s opinion about our team.” Unbeknownst to her, this dedication would cost her her life.
Anna had received warnings from colleagues about the challenges of working under her manager, who routinely rescheduled meetings during cricket matches and often assigned her work late in the day. At an office party, a senior leader even made a joking comment that she would have a tough time working under her manager, a grim reality that later became unavoidable.
A Relentless Workload with No Respite
Anna’s overwhelming workload extended beyond her official duties. She often returned home utterly exhausted, and sometimes collapsed into bed without changing her clothes. The relentless pressure was exacerbated by verbal assignments that added to her stress. Her mother recalled how her managers were “relentless,” demanding that she work late into the night and even on weekends.
When Anna attempted to voice her concerns, she was dismissed with the comment, “You can work at night. That’s what we all do.” Her parents had encouraged her to quit the job, but Anna, eager to gain more experience, pushed herself to continue despite the immense pressure.
“She was too kind to blame her managers,” her mother admitted, but added: “Burdening newcomers with such backbreaking work, making them work day and night, even on Sundays, has no justification whatsoever.”
A Call for Change
In her powerful letter, Augustine did not hold back in her criticism of EY’s work culture. She expressed her deep regret over not being able to protect her daughter, stating: “I wish I had been able to protect her, to tell her that her health and well-being mattered more than anything else. But it is too late for my Anna.”
Her plea to EY management is clear: Anna’s death must serve as a wake-up call for the company to reassess how it treats its employees, particularly newcomers. “It is time to reflect on the work culture within your organization and take meaningful steps to prioritize the health and wellness of your employees,” she urged.
Augustine also expressed hope that her daughter’s experience would lead to significant change. “I hope my child’s experience leads to real change so that no other family has to endure the grief and trauma we are going through.”
The tragic death of Anna Sebastian Perayil serves as a sobering reminder of the impact toxic work environments can have on employees. Her mother’s heartfelt letter to EY India sheds light on the urgent need for companies to prioritize the mental and physical well-being of their workforce. By fostering a healthier work culture, organizations can ensure that no other employee suffers the same fate.
Let’s all reflect on the importance of mental health and work-life balance. If you or someone you know is struggling with a toxic work environment, don’t hesitate to speak out or seek help. Change begins with awareness.
