Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has expressed his deep concern following the death of an Ernst & Young (EY) employee in Pune, highlighting the alarming trend of young individuals losing their lives due to stress. In a post on X, Pawar conveyed his sorrow over the passing of Anna Sebastian Perayil, a 26-year-old who had only joined the company four months prior.
Pawar stated, “The rising cases of young people dying due to stress need our attention. I hope Ernst & Young India will take corrective steps.” His comments reflect a growing recognition of the mental health challenges faced by professionals, particularly in high-pressure environments.
Anna’s tragic death has prompted her family to speak out about their concerns regarding the workplace culture at EY. Anna’s mother has written a letter to the company’s chairman, Rajiv Memani, alleging that her daughter’s death was a direct result of “work overload.” In her letter, she flagged the issue of what she termed the “glorification” of overwork within the multinational consulting firm, emphasising the negative impact this can have on employees’ mental and physical health.
Siby Joseph, Anna’s father, recounted that his daughter often worked late into the night, sometimes until 12:30 AM. He shared that while they advised her to leave the job due to the extreme pressures, Anna believed the position would offer her valuable professional exposure. His comments underline the difficult choices many young professionals face as they navigate their careers in demanding industries.
Despite raising concerns about excessive work pressure to senior management, Joseph claimed that no action was taken to address these issues. This lack of response from the company has intensified scrutiny on EY’s workplace practices.
In response to the outcry, EY expressed its sorrow over Anna’s untimely passing. The firm stated its commitment to enhancing the workplace environment across its offices in India. They acknowledged the tragedy and underscored their intention to foster a healthy work atmosphere.
The Ministry of Labour & Employment has also taken note of this incident, announcing an investigation into the alleged “unsafe and exploitative work environment” at EY. This development signals a serious examination of workplace practices and policies that may contribute to employee stress and burnout.
Rajiv Memani has publicly expressed his condolences, acknowledging the loss and the absence of company representatives at Anna’s funeral. He conveyed his regret, stating, “This is completely alien to our culture. It has never happened before; it will never happen again.” His statement highlights the firm’s commitment to ensuring that such oversights do not occur in the future.
The tragic death of Anna Sebastian Perayil has sparked a critical dialogue about workplace stress and mental health, particularly among young professionals. As companies like EY reflect on their practices and the pressures placed on employees, there is hope that this incident will lead to meaningful changes that prioritise the well-being of workers. Ajit Pawar’s remarks further amplify the need for attention to this pressing issue, as society grapples with the implications of an increasingly demanding work culture.