Ernst & Young Employee's Death Sparks Social Media Backlash

The tragic death of 26-year-old Anna Sebastian Perayil, an Ernst & Young (EY) employee, has led to widespread outrage on social media, especially after her mother's emotional letter went viral. 
  
The letter of Anna’s mother described the intense work pressure Anna faced, sparking criticism of the company's workplace culture. In her letter to EY India Chairman Rajiv Memani, Anna's mother, Anita Augustine, expressed her deep disappointment that no one from the company attended her daughter's funeral. She shared that despite reaching out to Anna's managers afterward, she received no response. Anita's letter painted a heart-breaking picture of the strain Anna faced. She spoke of her daughter's "backbreaking work," which often left her too exhausted to even change her clothes before collapsing into bed. The letter emphasized the toll this relentless workload took on Anna's health and well-being.
 
In response, the government has launched an investigation into claims of an "unsafe and exploitative work environment" at EY India. Concerns about employee mental health and the demanding nature of such high-pressure jobs have been widely discussed, with many calling for better support for workers.

 
This tragic event has sparked larger conversations about the work culture at Big Four consulting firms—Deloitte, EY, PwC, and KPMG—known for their high demands and intense work environments. Many are now questioning how these firms can better support their employees while still meeting client expectations. But does this concern only limited to these four names
 
The mistreatment of employees is a widespread issue across businesses of all sizes, not limited to a single workplace. This incident should serve as a wake-up call for organizations to take employee well-being more seriously. HR policies should be restructured to create environments that promote respect, inclusion, and mental health support. This includes safeguarding against mistreatment, offering stress management resources, and fostering a culture where employees feel valued. Regular mental health check-ins, workshops, and a focus on work-life balance should be standard practices.
 
Thus, companies must prioritize mental health and respect in their workplace culture, as these are essential for productivity and success.