18/09/2024
A 26-year-old CA working at Ernst & Young has tragically passed away due to work-related stress.
Her name was Anna Sebastian Perayil — and no one from EY even attended her funeral.
We need to ensure her name isn’t brushed under the carpet by the corporate world, so here’s her story - in memoriam.
Anna was a brilliant student — A school and college topper. She even passed her CA examinations with distinction.
So when she joined EY, she was very excited about her journey. However, she was in for a harsh reality check.
From the get go, she faced excessive workload and difficult managers.
She worked late most nights, even on weekends, and would collapse on her bed without even eating or changing, as soon as she got home.
Her manager would reschedule meetings for cricket matches, and give her tasks in the middle of the night, to be delivered the next day.
When she complained, she was told “You can work at night, that’s what we all do.”
Unfortunately, this stress added up. Within just four months of her joining, she succumbed to reasons related to “excessive workload.”
What’s more devastating is that no one from her organisation attended her funeral.
And this is the unfortunate reality that we live in today.
A survey has found that 60% of working Indians rate their work-life balance as average to terrible.
The sad reality is that no one will take a stand for your health unless you set clear professional boundaries.
Don’t get me wrong, consistency at work is important, especially in your early years, but NEVER at the cost of your mental and physical well-being.
So if you’re struggling with your workload, it’s time to work on your priorities.
Let Anna’s story be a reminder for you to check in with yourself and your loved ones.
And if you feel like there is a cause for concern, here’s are some quick tips on managing work stress better:
1. If long working hours are taking a toll on you, talk to your colleagues and raise a collective voice.
2. Start meditating before and after work, even if it’s for 5 minutes each.
3. Avoid revenge bedtime procrastination - put your phone away and get 7-8 hours of sleep.
4. On weekends, pick one day to do absolutely nothing. Sleep in, have a slow morning, and maybe take a walk – or don’t.
5. Take time out for meals - even if it’s 20 minutes. Set alarms so you don’t forget even on the stressful days.
All this said, nothing justifies the loss of such a talented and bright mind to work-related stress, with no accountability in sight.
I stand in full solidarity with Anna Sebastian Perayil, a chartered accountant and daughter to a very proud mother, and a victim of the system.
She didn’t deserve this.
If you want to share her story, please repost this to spread awareness within your network.
VEEHEAL