The tragic death of an EY employee in India, Anna Sebastian Perayil (pictured), has triggered more talk about the long-hours culture in top firms.
The 26-year-old worked as a chartered accountant for SR Batliboi, a member firm of EY Global. She died in July, four months after joining the firm.
In a letter to the firm, which has now gone viral, her mother Anita Augustine said: “Anna’s experience sheds light on a work culture that seems to glorify overwork while neglecting the very human beings behind the roles. This is not just about my daughter, it’s about every young professional who joins EY filled with hopes and dreams, only to be crushed under the weight of unrealistic expectations.”
She went on: “Anna’s death should serve as a wake-up call for EY.”
On LinkedIn EY’s India Chief Rajiv Memani said that the firm attaches the highest importance to the wellbeing of staff. “I would like to affirm that the wellbeing of our people is my top-most priority and I will personally champion this objective.”
