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A 26-year-old employee of the global consulting firm Ernst & Young (EY) in Pune died due to "overwhelming workload," according to her mother. Anna Sebastian Perayil had just started working at EY as a chartered accountant four months prior to her passing, and her mother Anita Augustine claimed that the excessive work pressure led to her death. In her letter to the EY India Chairman Rajiv Memani, Anna's mother stated that this was her daughter's first job, and she was excited to join the company. However, within a short period of four months, the "excessive workload" took a toll on her. Anna often worked late into the night and on weekends, returning to her accommodation exhausted, and faced "backbreaking work" as a newcomer. Anita also mentioned that no one from Ernst & Young attended her daughter's funeral. Anna was described as a top student in school and college, excelling in academics and extracurricular activities, and passing her CA exams with distinction. However, the workload, new environment, and long hours at EY had a severe impact on her physically, emotionally, and mentally.

Anna started working at EY Pune on March 19, 2024, but unfortunately passed away just four months later on July 20. The team she joined had already seen several employees resign due to excessive workload. The team manager told Anna that she needed to stay and change everyone's perception of the team, but her mother said that her daughter did not realize this would cost her her life. The company and her manager showed no consideration for Anna, a new employee who had moved away from her hometown and was struggling to adjust to the new city where she did not know anyone or the language. Anna faced significant work stress at EY Pune, with a manager who often assigned her work at the end of her shift, forcing her to work overtime. Additionally, Anna frequently worked late into the nights and even on Sundays. Her manager would often reschedule meetings and give her additional tasks beyond her job description, which were assigned verbally.

Anna's mother shared that her daughter was overwhelmed with the heavy workload, including additional tasks assigned verbally, on top of her official duties. Despite the mother's advice to not take on more work, the managers kept pressuring Anna. As a result, Anna would work late into the night and on weekends, leaving her utterly exhausted when she got home, sometimes collapsing into bed without even changing her clothes. Anna's mother said she was constantly bombarded with messages about work. While Anna wanted to learn and gain new experiences, the immense pressure proved too much for her. Sadly, none of Anna's managers or colleagues from EY attended her funeral, and her mother's outreach to them after the funeral went unanswered. Anna's mother believes her daughter's death should serve as a wake-up call for EY about their lack of support for their employees.

Rajiv, I believe EY has a duty to prioritize the wellness of its employees. Anna's situation reveals a work environment that celebrates excessive work while overlooking the individuals behind the roles. I hope my child's experience inspires genuine change, so no other family has to suffer the anguish and trauma we are facing. While my Anna is no longer here, her story can still create a positive impact.