EY responds to tragic death of 26-year-old Anna Sebastian Perayil amid work pressure concerns

EY response to employee death: Ernst & Young (EY) has issued a statement following the tragic death of 26-year-old Chartered Accountant, Anna Sebastian Perayil, who reportedly succumbed to extreme work pressure at the firm's Pune office. The case has sparked a broader conversation about workplace stress and employee well-being.

In its statement, EY expressed deep sorrow over Perayil’s untimely passing. “We are deeply saddened by Anna Sebastian’s tragic death in July 2024. Our heartfelt condolences go out to her family. Anna, who joined our Audit team at S R Batliboi in Pune on March 18, 2024, was with us for a brief four-month period. Her loss is deeply felt by all of us at EY,” the firm said.

The statement continued, “While no measure can compensate for the family’s loss, we have provided and will continue to provide all necessary support during this difficult time. We are taking the family’s concerns with utmost seriousness and remain committed to enhancing our workplace environment for all 100,000 employees across EY member firms in India.”

Perayil’s mother, Anita Augustine, had previously raised concerns directly with EY India Chairman Rajiv Memani. In her letter, Augustine criticised the company for what she described as the glorification of overwork. She claimed that despite her daughter’s enthusiasm for her new role at EY, the excessive workload and extended hours ultimately led to her demise.

“Anna was thrilled to start her first job at EY,” Augustine wrote. “However, within just four months, the relentless demands of the job caused her physical and emotional strain. She worked late into the night and on weekends, often returning to her accommodation completely exhausted.”

Augustine highlighted that Perayil’s dedication to her role resulted in significant health issues, including anxiety and sleep disturbances. “Despite my warnings, Anna continued to take on more work, driven by the company's relentless demands. The excessive workload and verbal tasks outside her official duties had a profound impact on her well-being,” she said.

Perayil had successfully completed her Chartered Accountant exams in 2023 and began her career at EY with high hopes. However, according to her mother's statement, the pressure and long hours took a severe toll, affecting her health and ultimately leading to her tragic death on July 20, 2024.

EY’s statement indicated that the firm is actively evaluating its practices to ensure a supportive work environment. “We place the highest importance on our employees' well-being and are committed to continuous improvement in providing a healthy workplace,” the statement concluded.