- विज्ञापन -
By Sahil Sharma: In India, being a chartered accountant is often seen as a prestigious achievement, a badge of honor that many aspire to wear. Recently, this notion took a tragic turn with the story of Anna Sebastine Perayil, a bright 26-year-old who became a CA in 2023.
After excelling in her exams and landing a coveted position at EY, one of the renowned Big Four accounting firms, her future seemed promising. However, just four months into her new job, Anna’s life was cut short.
Her mother, Anita Augustine, penned a heartfelt letter to EY, attributing Anna’s untimely demise to the relentless pressures of her job. In her letter, Anita spoke of “unrealistic expectations” and the “glorification of overwork” that permeated the workplace. Anna had been battling anxiety, sleepless nights, and overwhelming stress, ultimately leading to a hospital visit for exhaustion. Tragically, she later suffered a heart attack. Disturbingly, reports indicate that her co-workers did not attend her funeral, raising questions about workplace camaraderie and support.
This heartbreaking incident has ignited a firestorm on social media, with people sharing their condolences and their own harrowing experiences, demanding accountability from corporations. While EY expressed their sorrow, they denied any culpability. The firm’s chairman remarked, “We have around 1 lakh employees; there’s no doubt each one has to work hard,” seemingly dismissing Anna’s situation as just part of the job.
The issue of overwork extends beyond Anna’s story. Just this month, a man in China worked an astonishing 104 days straight before succumbing to overwork. A court ruled that his employer was partially responsible for his death, acknowledging the toll that such relentless demands can take. In the U.S., a banker reportedly died from a blood clot linked to overwork, further highlighting the grave consequences of a culture that prioritizes relentless productivity over employee well-being. According to the World Health Organization, overwork claims approximately 750,000 lives annually.
The health implications of long working hours are dire. Extended periods of overwork can lead to serious conditions such as heart disease, strokes, and diabetes. Even less obvious health issues, like joint stiffness, carpal tunnel syndrome, and chronic headaches, can arise from extended screen time and sedentary work. Stress itself manifests physically, contributing to elevated blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
In our hyper-connected world, the pressure to be constantly available can feel overwhelming. A simple call from a boss can trigger anxiety, blurring the lines between work and personal life. Research indicates that working 55 hours or more per week increases the risk of stroke by 35% and heart disease by 17%. Yet, the relentless pursuit of success often overshadows the need for balance.
This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the difference between hard work and overwork. It’s crucial to respect personal boundaries and prioritize health. Employers must recognize the significance of sustainable workloads and the well-being of their employees, rather than merely focusing on deadlines and deliverables. As a society, we need to foster a culture that values work-life balance. If we don’t, we risk continuing this cycle of loss, as we’ve witnessed in Anna’s case.
