The tragic death of 26-year-old chartered accountant Anna Sebastian Perayil has shed light on the toxic work culture that plagues India’s white-collar industries. Anna’s untimely passing just four months into her job at Ernst & Young serves as a stark reminder of the relentless pressure and unsustainable expectations that many young professionals face in their careers.
The Impact of Toxic Work Culture
Anna’s story is not an isolated incident but rather a reflection of a systemic issue that is pushing countless individuals to their breaking point. In the pursuit of success and recognition, many corporations in India glorify overwork as a sign of dedication, with little regard for the detrimental effects it has on employees’ mental and physical well-being. This normalization of excessive hours and unhealthy work conditions has led to a silent epidemic of burnout that is reaching a tipping point.
Many professionals working in multinational corporations like Anna find themselves overwhelmed by the constant pressure to perform, leading to severe anxiety, sleepless nights, and, in tragic cases like Anna’s, a catastrophic decline in health. Anna’s mother, Anita Augustine, revealed that her daughter was often given tasks that exceeded her capacity, with the justification that “that’s what we all do.” This mentality, where overwork is seen as just part of the job, has become deeply embedded in corporate India, perpetuating a culture of stress and exhaustion.
The Toll on Mental Health
A 2021 Deloitte survey found that 80% of Indian employees report feeling stressed at work, with over 60% citing unmanageable workloads and a lack of work-life balance as contributing factors. This constant state of stress and pressure has taken a dangerous toll on employees’ mental well-being, with many struggling to cope in silence. A 2022 LinkedIn survey revealed that 77% of employees believe their workplaces lack adequate mental health resources, leaving them to navigate their challenges alone.
The stigma surrounding mental health in India further compounds the issue, as employees fear that admitting vulnerability will harm their career prospects. This culture of silence prevents individuals from seeking the help they need, leading to a cycle of stress and burnout that can have devastating consequences.
The Need for Legal Protections
India’s labor laws, such as the Occupational Safety, Health, and Working Conditions Code (2020), primarily focus on physical safety and fail to address the mental health strains that white-collar employees face. This oversight leaves employees vulnerable to exploitation by corporations that prioritize output over well-being.
A significant part of the problem lies in the legal loopholes that allow companies to demand excessive hours without proper compensation. Many MNCs and IT firms, including Ernst & Young, fall under the Shops and Establishments Act, which offers limited safeguards for employees. A 2022 KPMG report revealed that 70% of white-collar professionals in India work beyond the legally mandated 48-hour workweek, with 75% receiving no compensation for overtime. This exploitation of labor rights not only violates the rights of workers but also poses a direct threat to their health and safety.
Reforming Corporate Culture
In response to Anna’s death, Ernst & Young issued a statement expressing sadness but downplayed her workload, claiming it was no heavier than that of her peers. This raises troubling questions about the standard corporate culture in India and the excessive demands placed on employees. It is clear that the culture of overwork is not exceptional but rather endemic to the system, highlighting the urgent need for reform.
India must enforce clear limits on overtime, with mandatory compensation and stringent enforcement to protect employees from exploitation. Beyond legal reforms, corporations must shift their mindset and prioritize the well-being of their employees over productivity. Overwork should no longer be celebrated as a badge of honor but recognized as a dangerous practice that jeopardizes lives.
Investing in Mental Health
A 2021 World Health Organization (WHO) study found that every dollar invested in mental health support yields a US$4 return in productivity, underscoring the financial and human value of prioritizing mental health in the workplace. By providing adequate resources and support for employees’ mental well-being, corporations can create a healthier and more sustainable work environment.
In memory of Anna Sebastian Perayil and the countless others who have suffered under India’s toxic work culture, it is time for change. Employers must take responsibility for the well-being of their employees, and the government must enact meaningful reforms to protect workers’ rights and mental health. Only by dismantling the culture of overwork and fostering a culture of care and support can India ensure that ambition no longer comes at the expense of mental health.
