The Indian government has launched an investigation into the death of Anna Sebastian Perayil, a 26-year-old Ernst and Young (EY) employee in Pune. This probe comes after her mother, Anita Augustine, accused the company of overworking her daughter, resulting in fatal consequences. Perayil’s tragic death in July 2024 has ignited public outrage, prompting officials from the Ministry of Labour and Employment to act swiftly, vowing to uncover the truth behind these allegations.

Augustine’s claims centre around what she described as an exploitative work culture at EY, which allegedly glorified long working hours and relentless pressure. She detailed that her daughter, who had only joined EY four months earlier, was tasked with excessive workloads that pushed her to physical and mental exhaustion. In a heartfelt email to Rajiv Memani, EY India’s chairman, Augustine accused the company of ignoring employees’ mental well-being while prioritising profits. The mother revealed that Perayil, a recently qualified chartered accountant, often worked late into the night and over weekends, fearing that leaving the job might damage her budding career.

EY pledges action as outrage grows

As news of Perayil’s death spread across social media, public outrage escalated. Responding to these allegations, EY released a statement expressing deep sorrow over Perayil’s passing, stating that the firm was “devastated by the tragic loss.” The company also promised to take measures to improve working conditions and ensure the well-being of their employees, though critics have questioned the sincerity of these pledges.

The government probe was initiated after BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar publicly demanded an investigation, calling Perayil’s death both tragic and deeply concerning. Shobha Karandlaje, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, confirmed that her ministry had taken up the case. She assured the public that the government would leave no stone unturned in determining whether an unsafe work environment contributed to the young woman’s death.

Exploitative work culture under scrutiny

The case has sparked renewed conversations about the often unforgiving work culture in large multinational corporations like EY. Perayil’s mother painted a grim picture of life at the company, explaining how her daughter experienced sleepless nights, anxiety, and even physical symptoms like chest pain, which persisted in the weeks leading up to her death. Augustine claimed that despite these signs, Perayil felt compelled to continue, with management allegedly burdening her with additional responsibilities beyond her official duties.

Adding to the emotional burden, Augustine recounted how no EY employees attended her daughter’s funeral. She also claimed that despite numerous attempts to reach out to her daughter’s managers, she received no responses, further exacerbating her grief and anger. The exact cause of Perayil’s death is still under investigation, but her mother believes work-related stress played a decisive role.

Expert opinions on work-life balance

Workplace stress has long been a concern in high-pressure sectors like consulting. According to experts in occupational health, the growing demands placed on employees in large multinational firms have created environments where burnout and mental health issues are on the rise. Experts suggest that companies must address these concerns by offering more comprehensive mental health support, enforcing manageable workloads, and cultivating a culture that values well-being over constant productivity.

A workplace psychologist stated that such cases highlight the importance of mental health policies in the corporate world. Companies need to proactively offer mental health support and provide flexible work options. Prolonged exposure to high stress can have severe consequences, not only on employees’ well-being but also on the overall organisational culture.

The investigation’s findings could have far-reaching implications for multinational corporations operating in India, particularly those accused of fostering a culture of overwork. If proven, the allegations against EY could lead to significant reforms in how these companies manage their workforce and prioritise employee health.

The way forward

As the government’s investigation unfolds, many are now waiting to see what actions will be taken to hold companies accountable for their workplace environments. EY’s promises to improve employee welfare will be closely scrutinised as the probe progresses. Meanwhile, Perayil’s death serves as a sobering reminder of the human cost that can come with unchecked corporate demands. The case could become a catalyst for change, pushing corporations to rethink their approach to work-life balance and employee support in India.

  Anita Augustine, Anna Sebastian Perayil, BJP, Ernst and Young, EY India, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Pune, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Rajiv Memani, Shobha Karandlaje