Thu Sep 19 15:10:02 UTC 2024: ## EY Employee Dies of Cardiac Arrest After Facing Toxic Work Culture, Family Alleges

**Pune, India** – A 26-year-old Audit and Assurance executive at Ernst & Young (EY), Anna Sebastian Perayil, passed away on July 20 after suffering a cardiac arrest. Her family alleges that her death was a direct result of the toxic work culture at EY, which led to severe stress and anxiety.

Anna, who was known as a bright and hardworking individual, regularly worked late hours, often returning home after 1 am. She had confided in her friends and family about the immense pressure she was facing, including anxiety attacks and a feeling of isolation. Despite raising concerns with HR and her manager, she received little to no support.

“Anna’s manager often told her that no one lasts more than a quarter in his team and that Anna should be the one to break that pattern,” said Ann Mary, Anna’s close friend. “They had normalized this toxic work culture.”

Anna had even planned to resign and was in the process of transferring to EY Kochi. Her mother, Anita Augustine, repeatedly urged her to leave the “toxic environment,” but Anna felt pressured to continue her work due to the perceived impact on her career trajectory.

In a heart-wrenching letter to Rajiv Memani, EY India chairman, Anita wrote about her daughter’s suffering and the company’s lack of empathy: “Even during those two days, which were the last we would spend with our child, she couldn’t enjoy them because of the work pressure. I wish I had been able to protect her. But it is too late for my Anna.”

Following the public outcry on social media, EY issued a condolence note, acknowledging Anna’s untimely passing and stating that they were deeply saddened by the loss. The company also mentioned providing assistance to the family and taking their concerns seriously.

However, Anna’s family remains disappointed by EY’s response, particularly the lack of empathy from her manager and the company’s initial silence. They have called for a change within the organization to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of toxic work environments and the importance of prioritizing employee well-being.

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