The Maharashtra Labour Department conducted an inspection at EY’s Pune office on Monday following the death of a 26-year-old Chartered Accountant (CA), Anna Sebastian Perayil, allegedly due to overwork. The department’s investigation comes after Anna’s mother raised serious concerns about the work culture and heavy workload at the firm, which she claimed contributed to her daughter’s untimely death.
Labour Department Scrutinizes Work Conditions
Senior officials, led by Pune Additional Labour Commissioner Shailendra Pol, visited the EY office to assess the working environment and gather critical information related to Anna’s employment and working hours. The Labour Department’s inspection was focused on reviewing the company’s internal policies on extra working hours, employee welfare, and adherence to labor laws.
“We have examined the working conditions and current policies at the office. Additionally, we requested specific documents including employment records, welfare policies, and regulations concerning overtime work,” said Pol.
Pol added, “We also reviewed Anna’s appointment letter to analyze the terms and conditions of her employment. EY has been instructed to submit all relevant documents to the department within seven days.”
The department’s findings will be compiled into a report and submitted to the Central government for further action, based on which the appropriate authorities will decide the next steps in the investigation.
A Mother’s Heartfelt Plea Sparks Investigation
Anna Sebastian Perayil, who had been working at EY’s Pune office for four months, tragically passed away on July 20, reportedly due to severe stress and exhaustion caused by overwork. Her death has raised widespread concern about employee well-being in high-pressure corporate environments.
The inspection was initiated after Anna’s mother shared a deeply emotional letter on social media, which quickly went viral. In the letter, Anna’s mother expressed anguish over the grueling hours and intense pressure her daughter endured at EY. She highlighted how Anna frequently struggled with anxiety, sleeplessness, and overwhelming stress, often feeling burdened by unrealistic expectations from her superiors.
The Union Labour Ministry responded to the viral letter by taking up the case for a detailed investigation. They are expected to take decisive action based on the findings from the Maharashtra Labour Department.
EY’s Response: Acknowledgment and Condolences
In response to the growing public outrage and the investigation, EY released a statement expressing deep sorrow over Anna’s passing. The company emphasized that it was taking the family’s concerns seriously and was committed to ensuring the well-being of its employees.
“Anna’s passing is a tragedy, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to her family. We are taking the family’s correspondence with the utmost seriousness and humility,” said an EY spokesperson. “We prioritize the health and well-being of our employees and will continue to strive for improvements to provide a safe and supportive workplace for all our staff.”
EY also acknowledged that Anna had been with the firm briefly but reaffirmed its commitment to cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation. The company stated it had assisted Anna’s family and would continue to support them during this difficult time.
Work-Life Balance Debate Reignites
Anna’s death has reignited the debate surrounding work-life balance, mental health, and corporate accountability, particularly in high-pressure industries like finance and consulting. Her case has drawn national attention to the challenges young professionals face who often struggle to maintain healthy boundaries between work and personal life.
With increasing demands for accountability from companies regarding the mental health and well-being of their employees, organizations are now under greater scrutiny to ensure they are fostering a healthy and sustainable work environment.
Experts have urged companies to reassess their work cultures, emphasizing the need for comprehensive mental health support systems, realistic workload management, and policies that prevent excessive working hours.
What’s Next?
As the investigation unfolds, all eyes are on the Maharashtra Labour Department’s report and its recommendations to the Central government. The findings could lead to stronger regulations governing workplace conditions, particularly in industries notorious for high stress and overwork.
Anna Sebastian Perayil’s death is a tragic reminder of the potential human cost of unchecked workplace pressure. It serves as a call to action for companies to prioritize their employees’ mental and physical well-being, ensuring that such heartbreaking incidents are not repeated in the future.
