The tragic death of a 26-year-old employee from Ernst & Young (EY) has sparked widespread concern about the toxic work environments many professionals face in India. Anna Sebastian Perayil, a Chartered Accountant who joined EY just four months ago, passed away, and her family claims her death was due to extreme pressure and long working hours. Her case is not an isolated one, and many are now questioning the practices of multinational companies (MNCs) operating in India.
A Husband’s Account: The Dark Side of Corporate Life
Bangalore-based Akash Venkata Subramaniam recently shared his own family’s troubling experience with EY. In a LinkedIn post, he revealed how his wife was forced to leave her job at EY due to its “toxic environment” and grueling 18-hour workdays. According to Akash, if his wife had not quit, he feared her health could have been severely affected.
Akash highlighted that many MNCs in India have normalized long work hours, creating a stressful environment for employees. He pointed out that these same companies treat their employees differently in other countries, but in India, the workforce is often overworked and undervalued.
India: A Workhorse for Global MNCs?
In his post, Akash condemned the double standards of MNCs. He criticized how these companies often treat their Indian employees like “donkeys” and exploit the country as a “factory” that operates 24/7. He further criticized the Indian government for failing to protect workers’ rights and ensure reasonable working conditions.
While the government is quick to collect taxes, Akash noted, it doesn’t enforce basic employee rights or offer support when jobs are lost. His post ends on a dark note, as he prays that the death of Anna will be the last such tragedy caused by overwork.
A Mother’s Painful Allegation
Anna’s mother, Anita Augustine, has been vocal about the stressful work conditions her daughter faced. In a letter to EY India Chairman Rajiv Memani, she accused the company of promoting a culture that glorifies overwork. According to her, Anna’s excitement about her first job soon faded as she became overwhelmed with long hours, including nights and weekends. The mental and physical toll on her led to stress, insomnia, and anxiety.
Despite her family advising her to leave, Anna tried to keep up with the demands of the job. Tragically, her life ended just four months after joining the company. Her family’s grief was compounded by the fact that no one from EY attended her funeral.
The Bigger Picture: Changing Workplace Expectations
Anna’s story is resonating with many professionals across India. As companies push for higher productivity, more employees are feeling the strain of long hours, unrealistic expectations, and high-pressure environments. While work-life balance is often discussed, stories like Anna’s highlight that for many, this balance is still a distant dream.
