Anna Sebastian Perayil: EY India controversy, A mother’s story that will shock you
the tragic death of 26-year-old Anna Sebastian Perayil, a Chartered Accountant at Ernst & Young (EY) Pune, has ignited a fierce debate about the company’s work culture. Anna passed away just four months after joining the firm on March 19, 2024. Her mother, Anita Augustine, has penned a heartfelt letter to EY India’s Chairman, Rajiv Memani, blaming the overwhelming work stress for her daughter’s untimely demise.
Anna’s journey began with great promise. She graduated with distinction in November 2023 and was excited to start her career at EY. However, her enthusiasm quickly turned into despair as she faced relentless pressure and an unsustainable workload. According to her mother, Anna experienced severe anxiety and sleeplessness shortly after starting her job. Despite her struggles, she felt compelled to meet the high expectations set by her managers.
In her letter, Anita Augustine described the exhausting demands placed on Anna. She recounted how her daughter often returned home late at night, completely drained from work. “Anna would collapse on the bed without even changing her clothes,” Anita wrote. The pressure was compounded by late-night calls from her manager with urgent tasks that needed immediate attention. “When she voiced her concerns, she was told, ‘You can work at night; that’s what we all do,'” Anita recalled.
The situation worsened when Anna’s health began to deteriorate. Just weeks before her death on July 20, 2024, she complained of chest constriction and fatigue. Despite visiting a doctor who reassured the family that it was not serious, Anna continued to push herself at work. Her mother shared that even during important family events like her CA convocation, Anna prioritized work over rest and family time.
Anita’s letter to Rajiv Memani highlights a toxic work culture that glorifies overwork while neglecting employee well-being. She expressed disbelief that no one from EY attended Anna’s funeral or reached out afterward. “This absence at such a critical moment is deeply hurtful,” she wrote. “How can a company that speaks of values and human rights fail to show up for one of its own?”
The letter has sparked widespread outrage on social media. Many users have condemned EY for its treatment of employees and called for reforms in workplace policies. Notable figures like Priyanka Chaturvedi, a member of the Rajya Sabha, expressed their sorrow over Anna’s passing and urged corporate houses to reconsider their HR policies to prioritize mental health.
The incident raises significant questions about workplace practices in India, especially within high-pressure environments like consulting firms. Employees often face grueling hours and unrealistic expectations that can lead to severe mental and physical health issues. The tragic case of Anna Sebastian Perayil serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of such a culture.
In response to this incident, there are growing calls for companies like EY to reassess their approach towards employee welfare. Advocates argue that organizations must create supportive environments where employees can thrive without sacrificing their health.
Anita Augustine hopes that sharing her daughter’s story will lead to meaningful changes within EY and beyond. “I believe EY has a profound responsibility to ensure the well-being of its employees,” she stated in her letter. She emphasized that no other family should have to endure the pain they are experiencing.
As discussions continue around this heartbreaking event, it is clear that the need for a healthier work-life balance is more pressing than ever in today’s corporate landscape.
