The tragic passing of a young accountant reignites concerns over workplace stress and the impact of hustle work culture in India.
The tragic death of a young accountant sparks a national debate on toxic work culture in India, highlighting the need for workplace reforms in corporate environments.
The death of Anna Sebastian Perayil, a 26-year-old employee at accounting giant Ernst & Young (EY), has brought India’s corporate work culture under intense scrutiny. Perayil’s family claims her passing was a direct result of overwhelming work pressure, reigniting a nationwide conversation about toxic work culture in corporate India.
Perayil joined EY in March, but just four months later, she tragically passed away. Her parents allege that excessive work demands and long hours led to stress and deteriorating health. The family’s claims sparked outrage online, with many current and former employees sharing similar stories of workplace burnout.
Toxic Work Culture Debate Intensifies
The focus keyword, “toxic work culture,” quickly began trending after a heartfelt letter from Perayil’s mother went viral. In the letter, she urged EY to reevaluate its work environment, describing how her daughter was frequently made to work late into the night and on weekends. She pleaded for corporates to “reflect on their work culture” and prioritize employee well-being.
Social media platforms, including LinkedIn and Twitter, soon saw an influx of people criticizing India’s workplace norms. Some alleged being forced to work 20-hour days without proper compensation. Others spoke of humiliation during performance reviews and being shamed for taking time off.
A former EY employee revealed how employees are often “mocked” for leaving work on time. “Interns are given insane workloads and are humiliated during reviews,” another user wrote, highlighting the systemic issues in the work environment.
EY Responds, But Concerns Remain
Amid the growing backlash, EY India’s chief, Rajiv Memani, responded by affirming the company’s commitment to employee well-being. He stated, “The wellbeing of our people is my top priority.” However, this has done little to quell public criticism as the debate surrounding “toxic work culture” continues to grow.
India’s work culture has long been under the microscope. The country ranks among the highest globally in terms of overworked employees, with nearly half of its workforce clocking more than 49 hours a week, according to the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
Institutionalized Overwork in Corporate India
Experts argue that the rise of the service sector in the 1990s institutionalized overwork in corporate India. Labor economist Shyam Sunder believes companies have normalized long hours, with the belief that high salaries justify the intense workload. He calls for a “mindset shift” where both employers and employees prioritize a healthier work-life balance.
Mental health advocates also weigh in, cautioning that the glorification of “hustle culture” leads to burnout and deteriorating mental health. The demand for longer hours is often unfair, especially for young employees starting their careers.
The Road Ahead
India’s corporate landscape faces a reckoning as the discussion around “toxic work culture” continues to unfold. Companies must reflect on their practices, and employees are calling for systemic changes that foster both productivity and well-being.
For there to be real change, experts agree that firms need to move away from the outdated belief that longer hours equal success. Instead, a focus on sustainable growth, both for the company and its employees, is critical.
Tags: toxic work culture, Indian employee death, corporate burnout, workplace stress, EY employee death, hustle culture debate, workplace well-being, India corporate culture