Death of Indian employee sparks debate on 'toxic work culture'

The unfortunate passing of a young Indian employee has sparked a significant discussion about workplace culture and the treatment of employees in corporate settings. Anna Sebastian Perayil, a 26-year-old chartered accountant at Ernst & Young (EY), tragically died just four months after starting her job. Her parents have claimed that the overwhelming pressure from her work contributed to her declining health and ultimately her death. In response, EY has denied these allegations, stating that Anna was assigned work similar to that of other employees and that they do not believe work pressure was a factor in her passing. This incident has resonated with many, igniting a broader conversation about the 'hustle culture' that is often celebrated in many companies and start-ups. This culture emphasizes productivity and long hours, sometimes at the expense of employee well-being. While some argue that this work ethic fosters innovation and growth, others contend that it leads to burnout and a reduced quality of life for employees. Anna's death gained attention after her mother, Anita Augustine, wrote a heartfelt letter to EY that went viral on social media. In her letter, she described the pressures Anna faced at work, including late nights and weekend work, and urged EY to reconsider its work culture and prioritize the health of its employees. She expressed, 'Anna's experience highlights a work culture that seems to glorify overwork while neglecting the very human beings behind the roles. ' Many individuals have condemned EY for its alleged toxic work environment, sharing their own experiences on platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn. One user claimed that working at a top consulting firm often means working long hours without overtime pay. They stated, 'Work culture in India is horrendous. Pay is low, and exploitation is at its peak. Employers show no remorse for the harassment of workers. ' A former EY employee also shared that workers were often ridiculed for leaving on time and were made to feel guilty for wanting to enjoy their weekends. They noted, 'Interns are given excessive workloads, unrealistic deadlines, and are humiliated during performance reviews as it is said to build character for their future.