Pune, India – Anna Sebastian Friel, a 26-year-old certified public accountant, tragically passed away just four months after joining Ernst & Young (EY) India. Her mother, Anita Augustine, has penned a heartfelt letter to EY India chairman Rajiv Mani, urging the organization to address what she describes as a toxic work culture that contributed to her daughter’s untimely death.
Anna joined EY Pune in March 2024, excited to start her first job after clearing her Chartered Accountancy exams. However, according to her mother, the extreme stress and overwork she faced at EY took a devastating toll on her mental and physical health. Anita Augustine stated that her daughter began to suffer from anxiety, lack of sleep, and overwhelming stress due to the excessive demands placed upon her.
In her letter, Augustine detailed the tragic circumstances that led to Anna’s death. She accused the company of glorifying overwork and neglecting the welfare of its employees. “My daughter was a bright and hard-working individual, but the pressure and expectations at EY crushed her spirit and ultimately cost her life,” she wrote.
Augustine also highlighted how Anna’s team had a high turnover rate due to excessive workloads. Despite her efforts to adapt and make a difference, the long hours and constant pressure became unbearable. In the final week of her life, Anna experienced severe chest pains, which doctors attributed to stress and poor sleep. Despite this, she continued to work tirelessly, even on the day of her convention.
“Even in the last few days we spent together, she couldn’t fully enjoy them because of her workload. It breaks my heart that the pressure of work robbed her of these precious moments,” Augustine lamented.
Augustine called on EY to reevaluate its work culture, particularly how it treats newcomers. “Anna’s story is not only about her; it is about all the young professionals who join with hopes and dreams, only to be crushed by the weight of unrealistic expectations,” she said.
In response to the letter, EY India issued a public statement expressing condolences to Anna’s family and promising to prioritize the health and well-being of its employees. “We are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Anna Sebastian and express our heartfelt condolences to her family. We take the family’s correspondence seriously and will continue to prioritize the health and quality of the employees,” the statement read.
Despite the company’s assurances, Anita Augustine remains determined to see real change within the organization. She hopes that sharing her daughter’s story will inspire EY and other companies to create a healthier and more supportive work environment for their employees.