India’s Work Environment Scrutinised After EY Employee’s Death
The sudden and tragic death of Anna Sebastian Perayil, a 26-year-old chartered accountant at Ernst & Young (EY), has sparked an intense discussion about the toxic work culture prevalent in many of India’s top corporate firms. Anna’s passing occurred just four months after she began working at SR Batliboi, a member firm of EY Global, in Pune, Maharashtra. The incident has brought to light the harrowing conditions faced by many young professionals and raised questions about the ethical responsibilities of large corporations towards their employees.
Anna Sebastian Perayil’s Story
Anna joined EY Pune in March 2024, filled with the hope and excitement of a promising career ahead. However, her time at the company soon became a nightmare, as detailed by her mother, Anita Augustine. In a heartfelt letter to the head of EY India, Ms Augustine described how Anna struggled with the overwhelming workload, the pressure of a new environment, and the long hours that took a toll on her physical and mental health.
In July, Anna experienced severe chest constrictions and was prescribed antacids by a doctor who noted that she was not getting enough sleep and eating very late. Despite her deteriorating health, Anna continued to work late into the night, even on weekends, without any opportunity to rest. Tragically, Anna’s condition worsened, leading to her untimely death.
EY’s Response and Public Backlash
EY India has denied that work pressure was the cause of Anna’s death. Rajiv Memani, EY India chief, stated that Anna was allotted work like any other employee and that the company does not believe work pressure could have claimed her life. In response to the incident, EY India expressed their condolences and mentioned that they provided all possible assistance to the family.
However, the company’s response has been met with significant criticism online. Many professionals, including some from EY, have shared their own experiences of toxic work environments and crushing workloads. One co-worker claimed that they were informed of Anna’s death through a standard centralised email, and rumours were spread that Anna had pre-existing health conditions.
The Reality of Corporate Work Culture
Anna’s death has highlighted the grim reality faced by many employees in India’s leading firms. Professionals from the “Big Four” accounting firms—Deloitte, PwC, KPMG, and EY—have shared similar accounts of grueling work hours, lack of support, and being referred to as mere “resources” rather than individuals. The stories paint a picture of a work culture that glorifies overwork and neglects the well-being of employees.
The issue is not unique to EY. A former KPMG employee recounted working while sick with Covid-19, despite being unable to sit up straight due to fever and weakness. Their manager criticised them for not completing tasks, even though they had submitted a positive Covid test report. Such stories are all too common, with many employees feeling exploited and undervalued.
Legal Protections and Unionisation
Fidel Sebastian, a labour lawyer at the Nyay Neeti Foundation, emphasised that almost all entry-level employees are covered under the Industrial Disputes Act, which classifies them as “workmen” and entitles them to overtime pay. If overtime is not paid, it is considered theft. Laws such as the Factories Act of 1948 and the Minimum Wages Act of 1948 stipulate that employees working more than eight to nine hours a day or over 48 hours a week are entitled to double payment for extra hours.
Employees feeling exploited can negotiate internally for overtime pay or raise grievances with the labour commissioner. Mr Sebastian also stressed the importance of unionising to collectively bargain and protect employee rights. A registered union engaged in litigation or conciliation against a company can protect employees from termination for raising demands.
India’s junior labour minister, Shobha Karandlaje, has announced a thorough investigation into the allegations of an unsafe and exploitative work environment. This government intervention highlights the serious nature of the issue and the need for systemic change.
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