An Ernst and Young (EY) executive in India tragically passed away just four months into her new role, raising concerns about a potentially toxic work environment at the global accounting firm. Anna Sebastian Perayil, 26, began her position as an Audit and Assurance Executive at EY in Pune, India, after moving from her hometown in Kerala. Her death in July 2024 follows a similar incident at EY’s Australian office, where a staff member took her own life in 2022 amid accusations of a hostile workplace.
Perayil’s mother, Anita Augustine, penned a heartfelt letter to Rajiv Memani, the Chairman of EY’s Indian region, criticizing the firm’s work culture. Augustine described how her daughter was initially excited about her new role but soon faced overwhelming pressure due to long hours, a new environment, and excessive workloads. According to Augustine, her daughter’s mental and physical health deteriorated rapidly, and despite suffering from anxiety and sleeplessness, Perayil pushed herself to meet the company’s demands.
Augustine also expressed anger that no EY colleagues attended her daughter’s funeral, adding to her grief. She emphasized the lack of empathy from the company and questioned why no one from EY responded to her outreach after Perayil’s passing.
EY issued a statement expressing sadness over Perayil’s death, stating that her “promising career was cut short in this tragic manner.” The company also emphasized that they are addressing the family’s concerns and reaffirmed their commitment to improving employee well-being.
Perayil’s death follows a similar tragedy at EY’s Sydney office in 2022, when 27-year-old Aishwarya Venkatachalam fell to her death after reportedly facing bullying and racism at the firm. Venkatachalam’s death prompted an investigation into EY’s work culture, led by Australian Sex Discrimination Commissioner Elizabeth Broderick.
While there is no suggestion that EY or its employees were directly responsible for either death, the incidents have raised questions about the pressures placed on staff within the organization.
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