Wed Sep 18 14:12:20 UTC 2024: ## EY Faces Scrutiny After Employee’s Death Linked to “Overwhelming Workload”

**Pune, India:** A young chartered accountant, Anna Sebastian Perayil, passed away in July 2024 just four months after joining the Pune office of multinational consulting firm Ernst & Young (EY). Her mother, Anita Augustine, alleges that her daughter’s death was a result of “excessive workload” at the company, prompting EY to issue a statement expressing condolences and promising a review of its workplace practices.

Augustine, in a letter addressed to EY India Chairman Rajiv Memani, criticized the company’s “glorifying overwork” culture, claiming that Perayil, a top student and a recent CA graduate, faced relentless pressure and demands that extended beyond her official work hours. Augustine stated that her daughter confided in her about the overwhelming workload, working late into the night and on weekends, with no time to rest.

“Anna was a school topper, a college topper, excelled in extracurricular activities, and passed her CA exams with distinction,” Augustine wrote in her letter. “She worked tirelessly at EY, giving her all to meet the demands placed on her. However, the workload, new environment, and long hours took a toll on her physically, emotionally, and mentally.”

In response, EY released a statement expressing deep sorrow over Perayil’s death, calling it a “tragic and untimely passing.” The firm said it is taking Augustine’s correspondence “with the utmost seriousness and humility” and is committed to ensuring the well-being of all employees. EY emphasized its focus on providing a healthy workplace for its 100,000 employees across India.

The incident has sparked a conversation about work-life balance and the potential negative impacts of demanding work environments on employee mental health. EY’s response, while expressing condolences and a commitment to improvement, has been met with skepticism by some, who point to the lack of concrete action taken by the company in response to Augustine’s allegations.

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