Tragic Death of Young Chartered Accountant Raises Concerns Over Work Stress

Anna Sebastian Perayil, a 26-year-old chartered accountant from Kerala, tragically passed away just four months into her new role at Ernst & Young in Pune, India. Her death has sparked significant concern regarding workplace stress and practices within the multinational company.

Anna’s mother, Anita Augustine, has publicly expressed her belief that intense work stress led to her daughter’s untimely demise. She wrote a heartfelt letter to Rajiv Memani, the India Chairman of EY, detailing the circumstances and emotional strain her daughter experienced during her short tenure at the company.

In her letter, Anita described Anna as a determined and successful individual who excelled in her academic and professional endeavors, including passing her Chartered Accountant exams with distinction. However, Anita explains that the relentless workload and inability to adjust to the new environment in Pune resulted in severe anxiety and stress for Anna.

Anna’s parents visited her in Pune for her CA Convocation just days before her passing. Despite initial medical examinations suggesting she was physically healthy, Anna continued to experience intense stress and sleeplessness. Her parents observed her working long hours and receiving work calls late into the night, even on weekends.

Augustine’s letter reveals a wider systemic issue regarding the company’s work culture, which, she argues, places unrealistic expectations on employees, particularly newcomers. Anna was reportedly under pressure to compensate for the high turnover rate in her team and was given additional tasks beyond her official duties, further contributing to her stress levels.

The letter also pointed out the lack of empathy shown by EY management and colleagues, highlighting that no representatives from the company attended Anna’s funeral. Anita Augustine hopes that by sharing her daughter’s story, EY and other corporations will reflect on their work culture and take proactive steps to ensure the well-being of their employees.

This painful incident has raised broader questions about the modern work environment, work-life balance, and the silent struggles many young professionals may face as they strive to meet demanding job expectations.