The recent death of a 26-year-old employee at Ernst & Young (EY) has ignited a public outcry over the company’s work culture, following a heart-wrenching letter from the deceased’s mother. Anita Augustine, mother of the late Anna Sebastian Perayil, has accused EY of contributing to her daughter’s death due to excessive work pressures and has called for a critical review of the company’s work environment.
In a deeply emotional letter addressed to Rajiv Memani, Chairman of EY India, Augustine detailed how her daughter, Anna, who had recently joined the firm, succumbed to overwork only four months after her employment began. According to the letter, Anna joined EY in March 2024, just months after passing her Chartered Accountancy exams with distinction. Despite her enthusiasm and dedication, Anna’s workload became increasingly overwhelming, leading to severe physical and mental strain.
Augustine recounted that Anna experienced severe stress, anxiety, and sleeplessness due to the demanding work hours and heavy workload. Her letter described a work culture where excessive overtime was normalized, and she often worked late into the night and on weekends. This relentless pressure reportedly contributed to her declining health and eventual death on July 20, 2024.
Adding to the family’s grief, Augustine noted that no representatives from EY attended Anna’s funeral, a fact that she described as deeply hurtful. The lack of empathy from the organization was starkly highlighted in her plea for a change in how new employees are treated.
In response, EY India issued a statement expressing profound sadness over Anna’s passing and offering their condolences to the bereaved family. The company acknowledged the letter and stated that they are taking it seriously, emphasizing their commitment to improving workplace conditions. EY assured that they are dedicated to providing a supportive and healthy work environment for their employees.
The company’s statement read, “We are deeply saddened by Anna Sebastian’s tragic and untimely passing. Her promising career was cut short in this tragic manner, and 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. We place the highest importance on the well-being of all employees and will continue to find ways to improve and provide a healthy workplace.”
The tragic case has sparked a broader discussion on the pressures faced by young professionals and the need for organizations to foster a work culture that prioritizes employee well-being. Augustine’s poignant letter serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of workplace demands and underscores the urgent need for systemic change to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Sources By Agencies
