2024-09-21 22:12:34
New Delhi: After the death of 26-year-old Anna Sebastian Peryil, her mother wrote an emotional letter to EY India Chairman Rajiv Memani. In the letter, she questioned the work culture of the company. She said that her daughter died due to excessive workload. Anna had joined EY in Pune in March. She died just four months later. Mother Anita Augustine wrote in her letter that Anna was very happy to join EY. But, the workload of the company was so much that she used to work till 1 am every night. She told that Anna also complained of chest tightness. The work pressure was so much that she kept going to work even after going to the doctor. Anita further wrote that no one from EY attended Anna’s funeral. This saddened her a lot. She hoped that her letter would bring change in the company and no other family would have to suffer such pain. After this incident, questions started being raised on EY’s work culture on social media. In response, EY India chairman Rajiv Memani issued a statement. He said that he is deeply saddened by Anna’s death. Being a father, he can understand what his family must be going through.
What did Rajiv Memani say?
Memani said, ‘I express my deepest condolences to Anna’s family. However, no one can fill this void in his life. I am very sad that we could not attend Anna’s funeral. This is completely against our culture. This has never happened before. It will never happen again.’
He further said that the company considers the well-being of its employees paramount. The issues being raised on social media are being taken into consideration. Memani said, ‘I want to make it clear that the well-being of our employees is my top priority. I will personally pursue this objective. I am fully committed to creating a harmonious workplace. I will not rest until this objective is achieved.’
Anna’s father also said that his daughter was not getting enough time to sleep and eat properly. He said that Anna was very passionate about her work. She always wanted to give her best.
This incident has sparked a debate in the corporate world on working hours and mental health of employees. Many people say that companies should reduce the work pressure on their employees. Their mental health should be taken care of.
The government ordered an inquiry
Union Labor Minister Shobha Karandlaje has expressed grief over the incident and said that the matter is being investigated. She said that strict action will be taken against the culprits.
Read some excerpts from Anita’s letter
This incident is yet another bitter truth about the pressure young people face in today’s competitive work environment. It is important that companies provide a healthy and balanced work environment to their employees. Here are excerpts from Anna’s mother’s letter to the chairman of EY India:
On November 23, Anna passed her CA exams. On March 19, she joined EY Pune. She was very excited about life, dreams and future. EY was her first job and she was thrilled to be a part of such a prestigious company. But four months later on July 20, my world came crashing down when I got the devastating news that Anna was no more. She was just 26 years old.
Anna’s workload was so much that for the past one week she was complaining of chest congestion. She would reach her PG every night at 1 am. We took her to a doctor, but the work pressure was so much that she could not take leave.
I am very sad to inform you that she couldn’t even enjoy her last two days, which she was supposed to spend with us, because of the work pressure.
I am very sad to inform you that no one from your company attended Anna’s funeral. This has deeply saddened us.
This incident is a reminder that we need to change our attitude towards work. We have to understand that there is more to life than just work.