The recent death of 26-year-old Anna Sebastian Perayil, a chartered accountant at Ernst & Young (EY), has sent shockwaves across India’s corporate landscape. Her parents have alleged that the “overwhelming work pressure” at her new job led to her tragic demise, sparking a nationwide debate on workplace culture and employee welfare.
Perayil’s story is a heartbreaking reminder of the toxic work environment prevalent in many Indian corporations. Her mother, Anita Augustine, wrote a heartfelt letter to EY, detailing the excessive work hours, weekend work, and unrealistic expectations that took a toll on her daughter’s health. The letter has gone viral, resonating with countless employees who have faced similar experiences.
India’s corporate culture prioritizes productivity over employee well-being, often glorifying overwork and neglecting mental health. This “hustle culture” has become a norm, with many employees feeling pressured to work long hours without adequate compensation or recognition.
Narayana Murthy, co-founder of Infosys, faced criticism for suggesting that young Indians should work 70-hour weeks to boost economic growth. Similarly, Shantanu Deshpande, founder of Bombay Shaving Company, advised youngsters to work 18 hours a day for the first four to five years of their career.
Mental health experts and labor rights activists warn that such demands are unsustainable and harmful. India’s workforce is already overworked, with half of employees working over 49 hours per week, ranking second globally.
Labor economist Shyam Sunder argues that India’s work culture has been institutionalized by firms and accepted by employees. To effect change, both corporations and employees must adopt a more mature outlook, recognizing work as important but not the sole purpose of life.
Chandrasekhar Sripada, a professor at the Indian School of Business, concurs, stating that toxic work culture is a complex problem requiring a collective shift in perspective.
