26-Year-Old EY Employee Dies Due to Work Pressure in 4 Months of Joining

The recent news of a 26-year-old EY Pune employee who died due to health conditions from overwhelming work pressure has sent shockwaves through the corporate world. To make matters worse, no one from her workplace attended her funeral, a heartbreaking reality of how employees can become so isolated and consumed by work pressure that they lose the basic humanity to pay last respects to their colleagues. The incident has sparked a raging debate on work pressure and related matters like the emotional and mental well-being of employees in the workplace.

The Tragic Loss of Anna Sebastian Perayil Due to Work Pressure

Anna Sebastian Perayil, a 26-year-old Chartered Accountant from Kerala, joined EY Pune in March 2024. Within four months, the burden of work pressure took a heavy toll on her mental health, leading to her death. According to her mother, Anita Augustine, Anna experienced anxiety, sleeplessness, and extreme stress, pushing herself to meet the work demands of her manager. In a heartfelt letter to – Rajiv Memani, Anita accused the firm of making employees overwork, stating that the company’s values contradicted the painful reality her daughter faced.

Anna cleared her CA exams in November 2023 and joined EY Pune in March 2024 as an executive. In her new role, she worked extremely hard to meet expectations, but this effort seriously impacted her mental, emotional, and physical health and she succumed to chest constriction and died on 20th of July. Her mother revealed that Anna soon faced anxiety, sleeplessness, and high levels of stress. Despite these struggles, she continued pushing herself, believing that working hard and persevering was the key to success, ultimately leading to devastating consequences.

The  Reality of Work Pressure

Work pressure is a constant in the competitive world of corporate jobs. The drive to achieve targets, meet deadlines and constantly prove oneself in the workplace can cause work stress. The young EY Pune employee, like many others, faced immense work pressure that led to a tragic and preventable outcome. While her death was a consequence of work-related stress, the lack of attendance at her funeral raises questions about the environment she worked in. 

Work pressure often manifests itself in numerous ways, from tight deadlines and excessive workloads to long hours and the constant fear of underperformance. In this case, the stress becomes unbearable, pushing one to the breaking point. This heartbreaking incident of Anna should serve as a reminder that the pressures of work can sometimes isolate individuals, leaving them feeling invisible even in times of deep personal pain.

Some Common Examples of Work Pressure

Here are some of the ways in which work pressure builds up:

1. High work stress and no motivation

Often, employees are overloaded with work without adequate guidance or motivation to achieve them. The expectation to figure things out on their own can lead to immense stress.

2. Working at a Stretch 

Working at a stretch with little time to rest or recharge can wear down even the most dedicated employee. As work spills into personal life, the boundaries blur, and this can stress one’s mental health.

3. Lack of appreciation 

Feeling unappreciated despite working hard can make employees feel disconnected and demotivated. Work pressure amplifies when there is no reward or recognition for their efforts.

4. Fear of Failure

The fear of making mistakes or hearing harsh words from managers can push individuals to work harder, often at the expense of their health. When failure is seen as catastrophic, work pressure becomes relentless.

5. Isolation at Work

As seen in this case, the lack of emotional or social support at work can leave employees feeling lonely and overwhelmed. When no one from her workplace showed up at the funeral, it indicates the kind of isolated work environment she worked in.

Work Pressure Management

To manage work pressure effectively, here are some helpful tips:

1. Learn Your Triggers: Identify what causes your workplace stress to address it.

2. Self-Motivation: Self motivate yourself to stay focused and positive.

3. Work-Life Balance: Set clear boundaries between work and personal life.

4. Seek Professional Help: Reach out to a counselor if stress becomes overwhelming.

5. Stay Organized: Plan tasks to avoid last-minute stress.

6. Practice Mindfulness: Meditate to calm your mind.

7. Raise Concerns: Discuss stress with HR when needed.

8. Get Enough Sleep: Rest well for mental clarity.

9. Eat Healthily: A balanced diet supports overall well-being.

10. Maintain Healthy Work Relationships: Build positive connections at work.

Moving Forward: Addressing Work Pressure Head-On

Work pressure will always exist to some degree, but it should never lead to the loss of life. The case of the 26-year-old EY Pune employee serves as a stark reminder that organizations need to prioritize the mental health of their employees. It’s crucial to create workplaces where individuals feel supported, valued, and heard.

In 2022, over 45,000 daily wage earners individuals in India tragically took their own lives. Let this motivate us to foster a healthier, more balanced work environment where mental health and well-being come first.

Also Read:

How to Deal with Mental Harassment at the Workplace?

What are the Signs of a Toxic Workplace: 12 Redflags to Check