Amid growing concerns over work pressure in the corporate world, particularly following the death of a young employee at EY (Ernst & Young), consulting giant Deloitte has announced the formation of a three-member committee. This comes as conversations on social media about work-life balance and employee well-being have intensified. The committee will focus on reviewing the company’s internal policies and employee behavior to ensure a healthy working environment.
Deloitte’s Initiative: A Step Towards Better Work Culture
Romal Shetty, CEO of Deloitte (South Asia), shared on Friday that the company has initiated this move in light of the current debate surrounding employee well-being. The newly formed committee comprises three prominent figures: Tarun Bajaj (former revenue secretary), Subodh Jaiswal (former CBI director), and Manoj Kohli (former Airtel chief). Their task will be to examine the existing policies, identify potential gaps, and propose changes to strengthen the company’s commitment to maintaining a balanced work culture.
The Context: EY Employee’s Death Raises Alarming Questions
This decision follows the tragic passing of 23-year-old Ana Sebastian Perayil, a Chartered Accountant who worked at EY’s Pune office for four months before her death in July. Ana’s mother raised concerns, alleging that her daughter was overwhelmed by extreme work pressure. The case has triggered widespread discussions about corporate work culture, especially in high-pressure fields like consulting and auditing. EY is now facing scrutiny, and the Indian government has launched an investigation into the matter.
How Deloitte Aims to Address Work Pressure
Shetty emphasized that Deloitte already has measures in place to handle work pressure, including the appointment of a Chief Wellbeing Officer responsible for employee health and work-life balance. Additionally, the company has protocols for taking strict action against any form of inappropriate behavior within the organization.
However, the need for continual improvement is clear. “We are in a customer service business where deadlines are tight, and pressures are inevitable,” Shetty admitted, adding that while systemic harassment may not be prevalent in long-standing professional organizations like Deloitte, individual cases of misconduct can occur.
What’s Next for Corporate India?
The recent events surrounding Ana’s death have served as a wake-up call for corporate India. Work cultures that once thrived on relentless output are now being questioned for their impact on mental and physical health. Deloitte’s move to review and strengthen its policies can potentially set an example for other companies in the consulting and auditing sectors, where work pressure has long been a topic of concern.
By creating a culture where employees feel safe to speak up about their concerns, Deloitte aims to foster an open environment. “An open culture is crucial,” Shetty said, “so that individuals can raise issues without fear.”
Broader Implications for the Industry
Deloitte is part of the “Big Four” global tax consulting firms, which also include EY, PwC, and KPMG. With growing public attention on how these companies handle employee welfare, the steps taken by Deloitte may encourage others to follow suit. As conversations around work-life balance gain momentum, it’s becoming clear that businesses must prioritize employee well-being to avoid burnout and potential tragedies.
