Kerala CA's tragic death flags alarming staff burnouts

The recent death of Anna Sebastian Perayil, a 26-year-old Malayali Chartered Accountant at Ernst & Young (EY) in Pune, has reignited discussions about the diminishing work-life balance faced by many corporate employees in India. Ms Perayil, who had recently cleared her CA exams in 2023, joined EY Pune in March 2024, and her mother has alleged that excessive office stress and overwork contributed to her untimely passing.

In a poignant letter, Anna's mother, Anita Augustine, expressed her deep concern over the work culture at EY, stating, “Burdening newcomers with such backbreaking work, making them work day and night even on Sundays, has no justification whatsoever.” She described the situation as a "systemic issue that goes beyond individual managers or teams," emphasising that the relentless demands placed on employees are unsustainable and have dire consequences.

Ms Augustine described a work environment that glorifies overwork, urging EY to reflect on its practices and consider the toll they take on young professionals. “This should serve as a wake-up call for EY,” she stated, highlighting the urgent need for change.

Ms Perayil faced enormous pressure in her new role at EY, which took a toll on her physical, mental, and emotional health. Ms Augustine revealed that Anna began experiencing anxiety, sleeplessness, and stress shortly after starting her job. Despite these challenges, she continued to push herself, believing that hard work and perseverance would lead to success.

Her workload intensified as several employees resigned due to excessive demands, with Anna's manager urging her to “stick around and change everyone’s opinion about the team.” Anna's mother recounted that her daughter frequently worked late into the night and even on weekends, overwhelmed by both assigned and unassigned tasks.

Cold response from EY

Following Anna’s death on July 20, Ms Augustine expressed her disappointment with EY, particularly noting the absence of her daughter's colleagues at the funeral. “This absence at such a critical moment, for an employee who gave her all to your organisation until her last breath, is deeply hurtful,” she stated.

Ms Augustine reached out to Anna’s managers after the funeral, but received no response. She questioned how a company that professes to uphold values and human rights could neglect the wellbeing of its employees in their final moments.

As the investigation into Anna Sebastian Perayil’s death continues, her story raises critical questions about workplace culture and the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. The incident serves as a stark reminder for corporate entities to prioritise employee wellbeing and to reassess their expectations in an increasingly demanding work environment.

The alarming burnout rates

The modern workplace often glorifies overwork, creating an unspoken expectation that employees should be available around the clock. This pressure can lead to chronic stress and burnout, particularly among younger professionals who are eager to prove themselves. A recent study by MediBuddy and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) found that approximately 62% of Indian employees experience burnout, significantly higher than the global average of 20%. Such alarming statistics underscore the urgent need for a cultural shift within organizations. The report also noted that many job seekers regard employee wellness programmes as crucial in their decision-making process when selecting employers.

The role of leadership

Leaders play a crucial role in shaping workplace culture. It is essential for management to recognize the signs of burnout and to implement policies that promote employee well-being. This could include flexible work hours, mental health days, and a culture that encourages taking breaks. Companies need to foster an environment where employees feel valued and supported, rather than merely being cogs in a productivity machine.

The lack of immediate response from EY highlights the need for companies to engage with their employees more empathetically and transparently, ensuring that no other young professional has to endure the same fate. The tragic stories of individuals like Anna Sebastian Perayil serve as poignant reminders of the human cost of neglecting this critical aspect of workplace culture. By addressing these challenges, organizations can create healthier, more sustainable workplaces that benefit both employees and the company as a whole.