The tragic death of 26-year-old Anna Sebastian Perayil, a Chartered Accountant employed at Ernst & Young (EY), has ignited a significant debate about the harsh working conditions in many corporate environments. Anna, who had been with EY for just four months, passed away due to severe overwork, according to her mother. Her death has drawn widespread attention, shedding light on the mental and physical toll that such environments can have on employees.
Many employees in similar roles, particularly within the so-called "Big 4" consulting firms, have shared their experiences of overwork and relentless pressure. Jayesh Jain, a former Big 4 employee, shared his story on social media, detailing how he and his colleagues frequently worked up to 20 hours a day, yet were only allowed to charge for 15. He empathized with Anna’s situation, stating that such companies often treat employees as numbers, disregarding their well-being.
Other social media users have echoed these concerns, pointing out the exploitative working conditions prevalent not just at the Big 4 but also across numerous companies, including MNCs. One user shared an experience where their sister, an employee at a Big 4 firm, was pressured to respond to work-related messages even while at the dentist on a non-working day. Others commented on how such practices are allowed to persist in India due to a lack of strong labor laws to protect employees. Another user recounted their first job experience where they were forced to work late into the night to attend client meetings and were subjected to constant demands from their boss, who expected his team to mirror his workaholic tendencies.
EY employee death case reaches Parliament
The outcry surrounding Anna’s death has reached the attention of public figures as well. Saket Gokhale, a Member of Parliament and National Spokesperson for the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC), has pledged to bring this issue to Parliament. He has expressed deep concern over Anna's death and the conditions that led to it. Gokhale has pointed to the letter written by Anna's mother, Anita Augustine, which details how her daughter was subjected to relentless overwork at EY. The letter, which has gained significant attention, highlights the grueling demands placed on Anna, ultimately leading to her untimely passing.
Gokhale condemned the prevalent work culture at consultancies and private firms, which often push employees to their breaking point. He has written to the Labour Secretary of Maharashtra, urging an investigation into the working conditions at EY, specifically focusing on the factors that contributed to Anna’s death.
Many employees in similar roles, particularly within the so-called "Big 4" consulting firms, have shared their experiences of overwork and relentless pressure. Jayesh Jain, a former Big 4 employee, shared his story on social media, detailing how he and his colleagues frequently worked up to 20 hours a day, yet were only allowed to charge for 15. He empathized with Anna’s situation, stating that such companies often treat employees as numbers, disregarding their well-being.
With EY case getting some lights. I would like to share my personal experience at Deloitte.
— Jayesh Jain (@arey_jainsaab) September 18, 2024
Attaching some screenshots of chats with my team mate - friend where we were discussing the work and our health at 5AM in the morning.
We use to work for around 20 hours and they won’t… pic.twitter.com/EjtqWjhwSm
Other social media users have echoed these concerns, pointing out the exploitative working conditions prevalent not just at the Big 4 but also across numerous companies, including MNCs. One user shared an experience where their sister, an employee at a Big 4 firm, was pressured to respond to work-related messages even while at the dentist on a non-working day. Others commented on how such practices are allowed to persist in India due to a lack of strong labor laws to protect employees. Another user recounted their first job experience where they were forced to work late into the night to attend client meetings and were subjected to constant demands from their boss, who expected his team to mirror his workaholic tendencies.
EY employee death case reaches Parliament
The outcry surrounding Anna’s death has reached the attention of public figures as well. Saket Gokhale, a Member of Parliament and National Spokesperson for the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC), has pledged to bring this issue to Parliament. He has expressed deep concern over Anna's death and the conditions that led to it. Gokhale has pointed to the letter written by Anna's mother, Anita Augustine, which details how her daughter was subjected to relentless overwork at EY. The letter, which has gained significant attention, highlights the grueling demands placed on Anna, ultimately leading to her untimely passing.
Gokhale condemned the prevalent work culture at consultancies and private firms, which often push employees to their breaking point. He has written to the Labour Secretary of Maharashtra, urging an investigation into the working conditions at EY, specifically focusing on the factors that contributed to Anna’s death.
