The recent death of Anna Sebastian Perayil, an Ernst & Young (EY) India chartered accountant, has sparked a crucial conversation about workplace culture in India. Perayil’s passing, allegedly due to work-related stress, has prompted calls for immediate action from prominent business leaders.
Harsh Goenka, Chairman of RPG Enterprises, took to social media to express his concern and urge Indian corporates to prioritize employee well-being. “India Inc must take urgent action following EY’s Anna Sebastian Perayil tragic death to foster a healthier workplace culture,” Goenka stated on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Goenka outlined six key tips for creating a more supportive and sustainable work environment:
1.
Prioritize Well-being:
Goenka emphasized the need for companies to implement mental health programs, manageable workloads, and wellness initiatives. He believes that companies should prioritize an individual’s overall well-being, recognizing that mental health is just as important as physical health.2.
Support New Hires:
New recruits often face challenges adjusting to a new role and environment. Goenka stressed the importance of providing mentorship and support to help employees navigate these early stages of their careers.3.
Tackle Burnout:
Goenka called for an end to the glorification of overwork culture, which can lead to burnout. He advocated for rewarding efficiency and productivity rather than simply putting in long hours.4.
Foster Open Communication:
Goenka highlighted the importance of open communication in any corporate environment. Employees should feel comfortable raising concerns without fear of retaliation.5.
Accountable Leadership:
Goenka stressed the crucial role of leadership in creating a positive and supportive workplace culture. He emphasized that leaders should be held accountable for fostering a toxic work environment.6.
Promote Work-Life Balance:
Goenka called for companies to encourage employees to set clear boundaries between work and personal life. Respecting employees’ well-being outside of work hours is essential for maintaining a healthy balance.Goenka’s call for action echoes the sentiments of many who believe that companies need to take responsibility for creating a supportive and healthy workplace culture. “Real change, not condolences, is what’s needed,” he stated.
In response to the incident, Rajiv Memani, chairman and managing director of Ernst & Young India, acknowledged the heavy workload faced by his company’s large workforce. “We have around one lakh employees. There is no doubt each one has to work hard,” he noted. However, the incident has raised concerns about the potential for excessive workloads to negatively impact employee well-being.
Following the public outcry, the Union Labour Ministry has announced an investigation into the incident. The investigation is prompted by an emotional letter from Anna Sebastian Perayil’s mother that went viral online. In the letter, the mother described her daughter’s immense workload and the toll it took on her physical, emotional, and mental health. The mother noted that Anna continued to push herself despite suffering from significant stress and anxiety.
The tragic loss of Anna Sebastian Perayil has highlighted the need for a comprehensive approach to workplace culture in India. Companies must prioritize employee well-being, address burnout, and foster open communication to create a more supportive and sustainable work environment.
