26-yr-old CA dies in Pune, mom slams EY for 'overwhelming workload, relentless managers'

Anna Sebastian Perayil's story is now making headlines across India. Just 26 years old, she was excited to start her first job at EY in March, but tragically, only four months later, in July, she passed away. Now, her grieving mother’s letter to the EY India Chairman, recounting her daughter’s experience at the company, is stirring deep emotions and sparking a nationwide conversation about toxic work culture and its potentially fatal consequences.

Here's the letter from Anita Augustine, mother of Late Ms. Anna Sebastian Perayil, which was shared on social media:

The letter from Anna Sebastian Perayil's mother shares a heartbreaking story about how Anna worked tirelessly at EY, struggling with the immense workload and long hours that took a serious toll on her physical, emotional, and mental health.?

Soon after joining, Anna began experiencing anxiety, sleeplessness, and overwhelming stress.

Her mother, Augustine, recalls how even during Anna's convocation in July, just days before her passing, she was still working — even on a Sunday.?

In her grief, Augustine says she can no longer stay silent.?

She writes, "The management took full advantage of the fact that she was new and overwhelmed her with both assigned and unassigned work. This is a systemic issue that goes beyond individual managers or teams. The relentless demands and the pressure to meet unrealistic expectations are not sustainable, and they cost us the life of a young woman with so much potential."

Unfortunately, Anna's story is not unique.?

A report by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) shows that long working hours led to 745,000 deaths from stroke and heart disease in 2016, a 29% increase since 2000.?

Overwork harms health in two key ways: by increasing stress hormones, which elevate blood pressure and cholesterol, and by promoting unhealthy behaviors like poor sleep, lack of exercise, and reliance on unhealthy coping mechanisms such as smoking or drinking.?

The data shows that people in Southeast Asia work some of the longest hours globally.

How to combat workplace stress

Various health surveys and reputable organisations like the World Health Organization (WHO), the American Psychological Association (APA), and the Mayo Clinic provide evidence-based strategies to manage workplace stress.

Credit: Pinterest

Here are some key methods recommended by these sources:

1. Set Boundaries (APA)

Work-life balance: Create clear boundaries between work and personal life. Avoid checking emails or taking work calls during personal time to prevent burnout.

Take breaks: Incorporating short breaks throughout the day helps recharge and prevent prolonged stress buildup.

2. Prioritise Physical Health (Mayo Clinic)

Exercise regularly: Physical activity reduces stress hormones like cortisol and releases endorphins, improving mood and focus.

Sleep well: Adequate sleep (7-9 hours) is crucial for emotional resilience and effective stress management.

Healthy eating: A balanced diet supports overall well-being and provides the energy to handle stress more effectively.

3. Time Management (Harvard Business Review)

Prioritise tasks: Use tools like to-do lists or time-blocking to focus on essential tasks, reducing the overwhelming feeling of having too much to do.

Delegate when possible: Share tasks when appropriate to avoid taking on too much.

4. Build a Support Network (WHO)

Connect with colleagues: Building relationships at work can help create a supportive environment and provide emotional backing during stressful times.

Seek professional help: If stress becomes overwhelming, speaking with a mental health professional can provide tools for managing it.

5. Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques (WHO, Mayo Clinic)

Practice mindfulness: Techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga can reduce stress by helping you stay present and calm in high-pressure situations.

Relaxation techniques: Incorporating progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing exercises, or visualisation can help manage anxiety and improve focus.

6. Seek Organisational Support (APA, WHO)

Open communication: Engage in open discussions with managers or HR about workload or stress levels. Many organisations are increasingly focusing on mental health and offering support programs.

Employee assistance programs (EAPs): If available, take advantage of workplace mental health programs or counseling services provided by employers.

7. Work on Emotional Intelligence (APA)

Emotional regulation: Developing emotional intelligence by recognising stress triggers and responding calmly can reduce the likelihood of conflict and stress at work.

As content creator Vivek Awasthi posted on LinkedIn, "The toxic work culture is no secret, yet students and professionals continue to push themselves to the brink, believing it's the only path to success. There are better opportunities out there that value your well-being. Don't lose yourself to the pressure of the race."

His words serve as a powerful reminder: "Let her story be a reminder that your mental and physical health should always come first. Work will never end, don't compromise your health and personal life for professional work."

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