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Ernst & Young (EY) released a statement Wednesday after mounting criticism of its work culture, following the death of a 26-year-old employee.
Anna Sebastian Perayil, a newly qualified chartered accountant, had been working at EY India’s Pune office for four months before her untimely death in July 2024.
Following her death, Perayil’s mother sent a letter to Rajiv Memani, Chairman at EY India, in which she condemned what she described as a “glorification” of overwork at the firm.
The young accountant had relocated 1,300 kilometers from her hometown of Kerala to work from the Pune office.
EY criticized for environment where “wellbeing is sacrificed for productivity”
“My heart is heavy, and my soul is shattered as I pen these words, but I believe it is necessary to share our story in the hope that no other family will have to endure the pain we are going through,” the mother’s letter to EY began.
She went on to describe her daughter as “full of life, dreams and excitement,” after taking her exams in November 2023.
“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,” the note continued, adding that her daughter suffered anxiety, stress, sleeplessness, and eventually chest constrictions that forced her to go to hospital.
But even after being discharged, the mother recalled her daughter insisted on going back to work.
“It breaks my heart to tell you that 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… My child didn't realise she would pay for that with her life,” the letter said.
“I am writing to you now, Rajiv, because I believe EY has a profound responsibility to ensure the well-being of its employees. Anna's experience sheds light on a work culture that seems to glorify overwork while neglecting the very human beings behind the roles.”
According to the note, Perayil had been told repeatedly that many of her colleagues quit due to an “excessive workload.”
The mother also criticized EY for their lack of attendance at Perayil’s funeral, stating that she received no response from the company’s leadership after inviting them to the event.
“This absence at such a critical moment, for an employee who gave her all to your organisation until her last breath, is deeply hurtful,” she wrote. “My heart aches not just for the loss of my child but also for the lack of empathy shown by those who were supposed to guide and support her.”
EY will “continue to find ways to improve,” statement says
The news of the death and subsequent note have prompted a barrage of further criticism on social media about the alleged culture of overwork at EY.
Now the professional services giant has responded, sharing a statement recognizing the loss and emphasizing the company’s commitment to employee wellbeing.
“We are deeply saddened by Anna Sebastian's tragic and untimely passing in July 2024, and our deepest condolences go to the bereaved family,” the statement began. “Anna was a part of the Audit team at S R Batliboi, a member firm of EY Global, in Pune for a brief period of four months, joining the firm on 18 March 2024. That her promising career was cut short in this tragic manner is an irreparable loss for all of us.”
The memo also appeared to acknowledge the letter sent by Perayil’s mother to the chairman. "While no measure can compensate for the loss experienced by the family, we have provided all the assistance as we always do in such times of distress and will continue to do so. We are taking the family’s correspondence with the utmost seriousness and humility,” it continued.
“We place the highest importance on the well-being of all employees and will continue to find ways to improve and provide a healthy workplace for our 100,000 people across EY member firms in India."
EY chairman encourages staff to begin ‘ongoing dialogue’ about wellbeing
According to an unverified email reported by the Hindustan Times, Memani also contacted employees directly, acknowledging that “several messages regarding our firm have been circulating on WhatsApp and other social media platforms.”
In the memo, Memani said he responded to the mother’s “anguished” email with “utmost seriousness and humility.”
He also encouraged EY staff to enter into an “ongoing dialogue” with company leadership to “ensure we are continually building a healthy workplace for everyone.”
“We have several well-being programs and open channels of communication available in the firm to ensure that you always have a safe space to voice your concerns anonymously, including through our existing Speak Up forum and Ethics Hotline,” the email continued. “We will also create more avenues for you to share transparent and honest feedback on our workplace practices.”
“I would like to personally assure you that when you speak up, you will be heard with empathy and understanding. If there are any suggestions that you have, please don’t hesitate to let me know,” he added.
But another report from the Hindustan Times suggests that Memani separately stated that the company refutes the suggestion that Perayil’s death was caused by overwork. “We have around one lakh [100,000] employees. There is no doubt each one has to work hard,” he reportedly said. “Anna worked with us only for four months. She was allotted work like any other employee. We don’t believe that work pressure could have claimed her life.”
