The death of a young employee at Ernst & Young (EY), one of the Big Four accounting firms, has ignited a fierce debate about toxic work cultures in India. Anna Sebastian Perayil, a 26-year-old Chartered Accountant from Kerala, succumbed to work-related stress just four months after joining EY’s Pune office. Her tragic passing has sent shockwaves through the industry and sparked widespread social media reactions.
Perayil’s mother, deeply distraught by her daughter’s death, penned a poignant letter to EY India Chairman Rajiv Memani. In her letter, she expressed her anguish over the ‘glorification’ of overwork at EY, emphasizing that her daughter’s promising career was cut short due to excessive workload. The mother’s heart-wrenching account was further aggravated by the fact that no representatives from EY attended her daughter’s funeral.
Social media erupted with anger and frustration, with users expressing their disgust at the company’s response and demanding accountability. One user on X (formerly Twitter) commented, “The news coming from Pune of EY employee is so shattering. But getting an idea of toxicity one face at big 4 is not surprising to me. Senior professionals makes the culture so bad and difficult. You give your days and nights and still they will be unsatisfied.” Another user pointed out, “Capitalism lives because the workers die. EY Pune employee, 26, died due to work stress. No one from company attended her funeral.”
Many users called for stronger legal protection for employees against abusive work environments. One user highlighted, “We need laws which protect people from Narayana Murthy kind of bosses who think that employees are slaves.” Others emphasized the urgent need for companies to prioritize employee well-being and create a healthier work environment. “EY Pune or any other company should focus towards creating a comfortable environment and not a toxic environment, the government should bring some changes to the policies, like 8 working hours, employees should take at least two days off in a week,” wrote a user.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the growing issue of workplace stress and its devastating consequences. It underscores the need for organizations to actively address toxic work cultures, promote mental health awareness, and prioritize the well-being of their employees.
In India, several avenues exist for reporting toxic work environments:
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Report to the Employer or Internal Complaints Committee (ICC):
If your company has an ICC, you can report the issue directly to them. If harassment persists or if the employer fails to take action, you can submit a formal complaint with the ICC.*
File a Complaint with the Ministry of Labour & Employment:
You can file a complaint either online through the CPGRAMS Portal or in person.*
File a Police Complaint:
If you have sufficient evidence, you can lodge a complaint with the police. In severe cases, you may also file a civil suit or a criminal complaint under the relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code.This case serves as a wake-up call for all companies and the government to prioritize mental health and work-life balance. No job is worth more than a life, and it is crucial to ensure that employees are protected from toxic workplaces and excessive workloads.
