Tragic Loss at EY

Anna Sebastian Perayil, a 26-year-old employee at Ernst & Young (EY) in Pune, tragically passed away in 2024. Her mother claims that work pressure and excessive workload played a significant role in her untimely death

A Mother’s Grief

Anna's mother, Anita Augustine, wrote an emotional letter to EY India Chairman, Rajiv Memani. She described how Anna struggled with long hours, weekend work, and stress in her new role. Lack of support from management worsened the situation.

Public Outcry and Investigation

The letter went viral, sparking outrage. Minister of State for Labour, Shobha Karandlaje, announced a government investigation into workplace practices at EY to assess the allegations of exploitative work culture.

EY’s Response

EY expressed deep sorrow over Anna’s death and assured that they prioritize employee well-being. Despite this, no representatives from EY attended her funeral, which added to the public’s concern over corporate responsibility.

Broader Impact on Work Culture

Anna’s tragic death highlights the dangers of workplace burnout and raises critical questions about employee mental health in high-pressure environments. Her story calls for urgent changes in how companies prioritize work-life balance.