New Delhi, September 20: A 26-year-old woman working at EY Pune, one of the Big Four accounting firms. Tragically lost her life due to what her family described as work stress within four months of her joining. Anna Sebastian Perayil, a young Chartered Accountant (CA) from Kerala. Lost her life after the company “burdened her with backbreaking work”.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the corporate world, highlighting the severe consequences of excessive work stress on mental and physical health.
The young professional, who had joined the company just four months ago, succumbed to what is believed to be work-related stress. Raising concerns about the well-being of employees in high-pressure environments.
Her mother claimed that since many “employees resigned due to the excessive workload,” her daughter’s boss told her to “stick around and change everyone’s opinion about the team”.
“Her manager would often reschedule meetings during cricket matches and assign her work at the end of the day, adding to her stress. At an office party, a senior leader even joked that she would have a tough time working under her manager. Which, unfortunately, became a reality she could not escape,” Augustine added.
She also stated that her daughter worked “late into the night and even on weekends”. “Anna confided in us about the overwhelming workload, especially the tasks assigned verbally, beyond the official work. I would tell her not to take on such tasks, but the managers were relentless. She worked late into the night, even on weekends, with no opportunity to catch her breath.”
Dangers of Excessive Work Stress
The incident has sparked discussions about the growing epidemic of burnout and the need for organizations to prioritize employee mental health. While the specific circumstances surrounding the employee’s death are still under investigation. The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked work stress.
Excessive work stress, often characterized by feelings of burnout, exhaustion, and overwhelming pressure can have a profound impact on an individual’s physical and mental health. Some of the common health consequences of chronic stress include:
Physical Health Problems
Increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure
Weakened immune system
Digestive problems
Sleep disorders
Chronic fatigue
Depression
Anxiety
Substance abuse
Difficulty concentrating
Irritability
Social withdrawal
The case of the EY employee underscores the importance of addressing work-related stress before it escalates into a crisis. Organizations must create a supportive work environment that prioritizes employee well-being. This includes:
Flexible Work Arrangements: Offering options such as remote work, flexible hours. Or compressed workweeks can help employees manage their workload and reduce stress.
Mental Health Support: Providing access to mental health resources, including counseling, therapy, and employee assistance programs, can help employees cope with stress and seek support when needed.
Work-Life Balance Initiatives: Encouraging employees to maintain a healthy work-life balance through initiatives such as wellness programs. Time off policies, and stress management workshops.
Open Communication: Fostering a culture of open communication where employees feel comfortable discussing their workload, challenges, and concerns with their managers.
Leadership Training: Ensuring that leaders are equipped with the skills to recognize and address signs of stress in their employees.
In addition to organizational measures, individuals can also take proactive steps to manage their stress. These include:
Time Management: Effective time management techniques can help individuals prioritize tasks and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Healthy Lifestyle: Engaging in regular physical activity, eating a balanced diet, and getting enough sleep can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
Stress Management Techniques: Practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga can help manage stress and promote mental clarity.
Seeking Support: Talking to friends, family, or a mental health professional can provide emotional support and coping strategies.
EY India Responds To Death
“We are deeply saddened by Anna Sebastian’s tragic and untimely passing in July 2024, and our deepest condolences go to the bereaved family. Anna was a part of the Audit team at S R Batliboi, a member firm of EY Global, in Pune for a brief period of four months, joining the firm on 18 March 2024. That her promising career was cut short in this tragic manner is an irreparable loss for all of us,” Ernst & Young (EY) said in a statement.
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The accounting company further added, “We place the highest importance on the well-being of all employees and will continue to find ways to improve and provide a healthy workplace for our 100,000 people across EY member firms in India.”
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