Ernst & Young (EY) India Chairman Rajiv Memani has responded to the tragic death of a 26-year-old employee, Anna Sebastian Perayil, who allegedly succumbed to overwork after joining the company’s Pune office. Memani issued a statement following claims from the employee’s mother, Anita Augustine, that her daughter died due to an overwhelming work environment at the firm.
The allegations surfaced after Augustine’s public letter, addressed directly to Memani, accused EY of fostering a work culture that glorified excessive workloads and neglected the well-being of its employees. Augustine claimed that this culture had devastating consequences for her daughter, who passed away four months into her employment with the company. Memani, acknowledging the gravity of the situation, expressed his condolences and assured Augustine that he would take personal responsibility in addressing the concerns raised.
In his statement, Memani reflected on the grief felt by Augustine, saying that as a father himself, he could empathize with the pain of losing a child. He committed to ensuring that such a tragedy does not occur again within the organization, vowing to "not rest" until EY creates a workplace that prioritizes the health and well-being of its employees. Memani also addressed reports that no one from the company had attended Perayil’s funeral, calling it "alien to their culture" and affirming that the company stands firmly against any negligence of human decency.
The controversy has drawn widespread attention, shedding light on the broader issues of workplace culture in high-pressure environments, particularly within multinational corporations like EY. The audit and consultancy giant, which employs thousands of professionals across India, has long been seen as a top-tier employer. However, Augustine’s letter has raised serious questions about the work-life balance provided by the company and whether its employees are being subjected to undue stress.
Perayil, a young and promising professional, had joined EY in Pune after completing her education with aspirations of building a successful career. Augustine’s letter paints a grim picture of Perayil’s experience at the company, describing long hours, constant stress, and little regard for her personal health. According to the letter, her daughter was overwhelmed by her responsibilities at the firm, leading to severe physical and emotional exhaustion in the months leading up to her death.
Augustine’s letter also criticized the company’s response to her daughter’s death, alleging that despite her appeals, the firm did not act with the urgency or empathy the situation warranted. The absence of EY representatives at the funeral was particularly painful for her, a fact that Memani directly addressed in his statement, expressing regret and assuring that such lapses do not reflect the values of the organization.
The accusations have sparked an intense debate about the culture of overwork in corporate India, particularly in sectors such as finance, consulting, and technology, where long hours and high-pressure environments are often considered the norm. While such conditions are not unique to EY, Augustine’s account has amplified concerns about the mental and physical toll these workplaces can have on their employees.
In response, EY India has reportedly initiated an internal review of its work culture and employee well-being policies. Although no formal investigation has been announced, insiders suggest that the company is taking Augustine’s allegations seriously and plans to assess its internal practices. Memani’s statement seems to underscore this approach, as he emphasized his commitment to nurturing a harmonious workplace where the health of employees is prioritized.
Industry experts note that this incident could be a watershed moment for corporate culture in India, potentially forcing major companies to reevaluate their expectations of employees and the support systems in place for their mental and physical well-being. There is growing recognition, particularly among the younger workforce, that traditional norms of working long hours without sufficient regard for personal health and family life may no longer be sustainable. As a result, companies that fail to address these concerns may face increased scrutiny, both from employees and the wider public.
Meanwhile, Augustine’s letter has resonated with many professionals, particularly in India’s fast-growing urban centers, where ambitious young workers often find themselves grappling with intense professional demands. Perayil’s case has become emblematic of the broader issue of work-related stress and burnout, which have been documented as rising problems in corporate sectors across the world. The mental health crisis in workplaces has led to a global conversation about the need for stronger support systems and policies that prevent such tragedies.