EY Pune employee's death: Ex-HCL Tech CEO's big warning over 'exploitation of young professionals'
Anna Sebastian Perayil, who worked at the tax consultancy's Pune office for just four months, tragically passed away in July, with allegations pointing to overwhelming work pressure as a contributing factor. In a letter to EY India chairman Rajiv Memani, Anna’s mother described her daughter’s workload as «backbreaking» and suggested it had taken a severe toll on her physical, emotional, and mental health.
The incident has sparked widespread discussions on the excessive demands placed on young professionals across various industries.
Vineet Nayar, Founder of Sampark Foundation and former CEO of HCL Technologies, addressed this issue in a LinkedIn post directed at business leaders. He emphasized the exploitation of young employees, who are often burdened with long hours under the pretext of «training» or «preparation for the real world.» Nayar pointed out that while hard work is necessary, the normalization of extreme hours can have dire consequences on both individual health and organizational culture.
Citing data from the World Health Organization, he highlighted that long working hours increase the risk of stroke by 35% and heart disease by 17%.
Nayar also called for immediate action, urging businesses to audit their work environments and address harmful practices. He suggested that companies should provide better support for employees working extended hours, including access to rest areas, meals, mental health resources, and mandatory time off.
He referenced a Gallup study from 2019, which found that burnout not only damages employee well-being but also diminishes productivity by up to 63%. According to Nayar, focusing on long-term employee health and sustainability is essential for organizational success.
