A Tragic Incident Highlights Work-Related Stress
The tragic death of 26-year-old Anna Sebastian Perayil, a chartered accountant at Ernst & Young (EY) India, has brought to light concerns about the high-pressure environment in India’s corporate sector. Just four months into her role, Perayil succumbed to the overwhelming demands of her job. In a heartfelt letter that went viral, her mother blamed the excessive work hours and relentless pressure for her daughter’s death.
India’s Long Working Hours
According to labor data, Indian employees are among the most overworked globally, clocking nearly 47 hours per week. This is significantly higher than countries known for demanding work cultures, such as Japan and Singapore. Indians, on average, work 13 hours more per week than their German counterparts, with the formal corporate sector becoming increasingly stressful.
Overburdened Employees in the Corporate Sector
India’s formal employment sector, particularly in corporate jobs, remains unregulated when it comes to managing employee stress. At firms like EY, employees routinely face long workdays of 12 to 13 hours, often stretching into weekends. Workers describe an environment where they are treated as mere resources, subject to constant pressure and harsh managerial practices. A former EY employee confirmed that extreme workloads and a toxic hierarchical culture were commonplace.
Unrelenting Competition for Corporate Jobs
The intense competition for corporate jobs in India allows employers to exploit their workforce. Thousands of qualified candidates apply for a limited number of positions, making employees feel expendable. This lack of job security forces many to endure grueling work hours and high-pressure environments without protest, as they fear losing their positions.
Corporate Denial Amid Rising Concerns
Despite the growing backlash, corporate leaders have largely denied the existence of these issues. EY India’s head, Rajiv Memani, released a statement claiming that high-pressure allegations were “alien” to their company culture. However, critics argue that statements like these fail to address the widespread toxic work culture that has become the norm in many Indian corporate environments.
The Push for Longer Hours to Boost the Economy
Narayana Murthy, the founder of Infosys, made headlines last year when he suggested that Indians should be prepared to work 70-hour weeks to help accelerate economic growth. This sentiment reflects a broader corporate mentality that prioritizes productivity over employee well-being, with little regard for the personal toll it takes.
The Human Cost: Mental and Physical Health at Stake
The pressure to perform and the competitive nature of corporate jobs have taken a serious toll on employees’ mental and physical health. Former employees from various sectors, including IT, media, and events management, have reported experiencing anxiety, burnout, and exhaustion. Some, like Sara, a corporate events manager, have switched to freelance work to escape the constant stress and regain control over their work-life balance.
The Need for Change in Corporate India
Despite increased awareness, the culture of overwork and exploitation in India’s corporate sector continues to thrive. With a lack of regulatory intervention and a surplus of candidates eager for jobs, change seems unlikely in the near future. Employers must begin to address the human cost of their relentless pursuit of profit and productivity if they are to create healthier, more sustainable work environments.
