Rajiv Memani, Chairman of Ernst & Young (EY) India, has expressed deep regret for not attending the funeral of Anna Sebastian Perayil, a 26-year-old chartered accountant who passed away in July. Anna, who had been working at EY’s Pune office for only four months, is alleged to have died by suicide due to overwhelming work-related stress.
Her mother, Anita Augustine, wrote a letter to Memani, expressing her belief that Anna was overworked with a “backbreaking” workload that took a significant toll on her physically, emotionally, and mentally. This incident has sparked widespread concern and prompted the Ministry of Labour to initiate an investigation into the work environment at EY.
Memani, acknowledging the public discourse surrounding the incident, took to LinkedIn to address the situation. He expressed his profound sadness at Anna’s passing and conveyed his condolences to her family. He acknowledged the criticism directed at EY’s work practices, emphasizing the importance of creating a healthy and supportive workplace. Memani stated, “It has always been very important to us to create a healthy workplace, and we attach the highest importance to the well-being of our people.”
The Chairman further emphasized his commitment to achieving a harmonious workplace, stating, “I am absolutely committed to nurturing a harmonious workplace, and I will not rest until that objective is accomplished.” He also expressed regret for missing Anna’s funeral, stating, “I truly regret the fact that we missed being present at Anna’s funeral. This is completely alien to our culture. It has never happened before; it will never happen again.”
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of prioritizing employee well-being and fostering a healthy work environment. As investigations continue, it remains to be seen what measures EY will implement to address the concerns raised and create a more supportive workplace for its employees.
