Death of young accountant sparks debate on India’s workplace culture

The death of 26-year-old Anna Sebastian Perayil, an accountant at Ernst & Young (EY), has ignited a nationwide discussion on the pressures of corporate work culture in India.

Perayil’s parents allege that overwhelming work stress contributed to their daughter’s death just four months after she joined the firm. In a viral letter, her mother detailed the long hours and intense demands Anna faced, calling for EY to reflect on its work environment and prioritise employee health. EY has denied that work pressure played a role, stating that Perayil was assigned tasks like any other employee.

The tragedy has spurred widespread condemnation of the so-called “hustle culture” that glorifies long hours and overwork in many Indian corporate sectors.

Social media users shared their own experiences of workplace exploitation, with some recounting 20-hour workdays without overtime pay.

The incident echoes growing concerns over toxic work environments in India, where employees often face grueling schedules with little regard for work-life balance. While some defend the high-pressure culture as necessary for innovation, critics argue it leads to burnout and long-term health issues.

In response, EY’s India chief, Rajiv Memani, emphasised the firm’s commitment to employee well-being. However, the incident has added to the broader scrutiny of India’s labour practices, with experts calling for a shift in mindset toward sustainable work environments. The debate also recalls comments from industry leaders promoting excessive work hours, highlighting the urgent need for reforms in corporate culture to prevent further tragedies.