Anna Sebastian Perayil, a 26-year-old chartered accountant employed by Ernst & Young (EY) in Pune, passed away in July 2024, just four months after joining the multinational consulting firm. Her mother, Anita Augustine, has alleged that her daughter's death was caused by the overwhelming workload imposed on her at EY. In a deeply emotional letter addressed to EY India Chairman, Rajiv Memani, Anita shared the tragic story of how her daughter's dream job turned into a nightmare.
Anna, an accomplished academic achiever and a dedicated professional, joined EY Pune in March 2024. According to her mother, Anna was initially thrilled to begin her career with the esteemed firm, but as weeks passed, the pressure of her responsibilities began to mount. She was often assigned tasks late into her shift, forcing her to work overtime and on weekends. With additional tasks handed to her verbally by her manager, Anna found herself trapped in a cycle of long hours and exhausting work. The intense workload and unfamiliar environment in Pune took a toll on her physical, emotional, and mental health, according to her mother.
Anita revealed that Anna’s team at EY had been dealing with a high turnover rate due to the unbearable workload. Despite being new and inexperienced in the corporate world, Anna was told by her manager that she must stay and "change the perception" of the team. Unfortunately, Anna did not anticipate that the price she would pay for this responsibility would be her own life. She was bombarded with excessive work, returning to her paying guest accommodation utterly exhausted, often collapsing into bed without even changing her clothes.
The letter also described how Anna confided in her family about the relentless demands placed on her. Though they advised her to avoid taking on extra work and even suggested she quit, Anna was determined to prove herself. Tragically, the pressure became overwhelming, and on July 20, 2024, Anna succumbed to the strain.
Adding to the family's anguish, Anna's mother noted that no one from EY attended her funeral. In her letter, Anita criticized the company's disregard for its employees’ well-being, calling on them to reflect on their values and make meaningful changes. She highlighted that the tragic loss of her daughter should serve as a wake-up call, exposing a toxic work culture that prioritizes productivity over employees' health.
“My child worked tirelessly, giving her all to meet the demands placed on her. She didn't realize that the price for this would be her life,” Anita lamented. She expressed hope that Anna’s story could bring about change within the company, preventing another family from enduring the same grief and trauma.
As the story of Anna’s tragic death circulates, Google Trends shows a surge in public interest, with maximum queries originating from Kerala, Karnataka, and Puducherry. The case has raised questions about corporate culture, especially in high-pressure industries, and whether enough is being done to safeguard employee health and well-being.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Ankur Deka/MSM)