The untimely death of Anna Sebastian Perayil, a 26-year-old chartered accountant at Ernst & Young (EY), has sparked a nationwide conversation about workplace culture and employee wellbeing in corporate India. Perayil passed away in July, just four months into her tenure at the firm, with her family attributing her death to extreme work-related pressures.

In a poignant letter that went viral on social media, Perayil’s mother, Anita Augustine, detailed the "overwhelming work pressure" her daughter faced, including late nights and weekend work. She urged EY to reflect on its corporate culture and prioritize the health of its employees.

“Anna’s experience highlights a work culture that glorifies overwork while neglecting the human beings behind the jobs,” Augustine stated, emphasizing the unsustainable nature of such expectations.

The incident has resonated widely, with many condemning EY’s alleged "toxic work culture." Social media users have shared their own experiences of excessive workloads and exploitation in high-pressure environments. One individual reported being required to work 20-hour days without overtime, while another criticized the broader Indian corporate culture as exploitative.

Former EY employees have also weighed in, claiming that workers are often ridiculed for leaving on time and subjected to humiliating treatment during performance reviews. Rajiv Memani, EY's India Chief, responded to the backlash, asserting the company’s commitment to employee wellbeing, stating that it is his top priority.

Perayil’s death has brought renewed scrutiny to India’s demanding work culture, where reports indicate that half of the workforce works more than 49 hours per week, making it one of the countries with the longest working hours in the world. Labour economist Shyam Sunder noted that the corporate culture has shifted significantly since the 1990s, with many firms bypassing labor laws to meet increasing demands.

Experts argue that a fundamental change in mindset is needed for any real improvement in workplace culture. Chandrasekhar Sripada, a professor at the Indian School of Business, called for a reevaluation of productivity standards, stating, “We need to start focusing on sustainable growth, not just from an environmental standpoint but also from a labor rights perspective.”

As discussions continue, the tragic case of Anna Perayil serves as a stark reminder of the need for change in corporate India, advocating for a healthier balance between work and life for employees across all sectors.