EY India employee Anna’s father Sibi Joseph reveals shocking details about her daughter
Following public backlash regarding the death of Anna Sebastian Perayil, a 26-year-old chartered accountant at Ernst & Young (EY), her father, Sibi Joseph, has disclosed previously undisclosed details about the incident.
In a statement to the press, Sibi Joseph acknowledged that Anna frequently stayed late at work, explaining, “We suggested she leave, but she was determined that this opportunity would be beneficial for her career.”
He disclosed that Anna had previously brought up worries about excessive work stress with higher-ups at EY, but said that no steps were taken. “She had complained to the assistant manager, but they insisted on working even at night,” he added.
Family doesn’t want to take legal action but prevent others from such sufferings
The family said they have no intention of taking legal action but want to stop others from dealing with the same difficulties in corporate settings. Mr. Joseph stated that we do not want new employees at these corporate companies to encounter the same situations.
Meanwhile, senior Congress leader and MP Shashi Tharoor suggested the adoption of a 40-hour work week.
In his X account, Tharoor emphasized the situation of Perayil’s death, pointing out the “intensely demanding seven-day weeks of 14-hour days” she worked during her short time at the company. He recounted a “very emotional and touching” discussion with his father, Sibi Joseph, where they talked about the necessity of legal modifications to mandate a 40-hour work week in every industry.
“He (Anna’s father) suggested, and I agreed, that I raise the issue of legislating, through Parliament, a fixed calendar for all workplaces, whether in the private sector or the public, that would not exceed eight hours a day, five days a week,” Tharoor stated. He emphasized that “inhumanity at the workplace must be legislated out of existence with stringent punishment and fines for offenders. Human rights do not stop at the workplace.”
Also read: 26-year-old EY India employee dies due to ‘work stress’; mother writes to firm’s India head
Tharoor also pledged to raise this issue during the next session of Parliament, scheduled for December.
Anna, who had worked at EY’s Pune office for just four months, passed away from a cardiac arrest this July.
In response to increasing worries, EY released a statement expressing sorrow regarding Perayil’s “sad and premature” death. The company mentioned that she had been employed at S R Batliboi, one of its member firms, for four months and stated that they had communicated with the family regarding their worries.
EY India Chairman expressed empathy as a father
Rajiv Memani, the Chairman of EY India, also spoke about the issue, mentioning on LinkedIn that the company’s culture was not reflected by the absence of company representatives at the funeral. He showed understanding as a parent, saying he would continue working until a more peaceful work environment is created.
