The tragic death of 26-year-old Anna Sebastian Perayil, a Chartered Accountant working at EY’s Pune office, has sparked widespread outrage and debate about work culture in the “Big Four” accounting firms. Anna, who had joined EY in March 2024, succumbed to what her mother described as overwhelming work pressure just four months into the job. In a heartfelt letter to EY India’s Chairman, her mother highlighted the grueling hours and the toll they took on Anna’s health. This letter has since gone viral, drawing attention to the “toxic” work environment reportedly pervasive in many high-pressure corporate settings.

Social media has amplified the concerns, with many users criticizing the glorification of overwork, particularly in large consulting firms. The case has been linked to broader discussions about “hustle culture” and its impact on mental and physical health. Despite assurances from EY that they are addressing employee well-being, the company’s culture has come under fire, especially after accusations that no one from the firm attended Anna’s funeral.

This incident has reignited calls for better work-life balance and healthier corporate environments in India, where overwork is often normalized​.