The recent tragic death of Anna Sebastian Perayil, a young associate at EY India, has sent shockwaves through corporate circles and raised serious concerns about the demanding work culture many employees endure. Anna’s death, reportedly due to overwork, shines a harsh spotlight on a toxic aspect of professional life that is all too common but rarely addressed.

In the wake of this tragedy, we must pause, reflect, and learn valuable lessons to ensure that no other life is cut short by the pressures of relentless work demands.

The Culture of Overwork

Anna’s death is not an isolated incident. Around the world, we see reports of employees in various industries collapsing under the weight of excessive work hours, unattainable deadlines, and the pressure to constantly perform. While the corporate world glorifies “hustle culture,” where long hours are equated with dedication, the human cost of this mentality can no longer be ignored.

A culture that rewards overwork and punishes work-life balance leads to burnout, stress, and even tragic consequences. Employees find themselves trapped in a cycle of constant productivity at the expense of their mental and physical health. The result is often exhaustion, anxiety, and deteriorating well-being.

The Importance of Mental Health

Anna’s story should serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of mental health. The stigma around discussing mental health in the workplace often forces employees to endure stress and burnout in silence. Organizations must prioritize creating an environment where mental well-being is valued as much as productivity. This involves not only offering resources like counseling and wellness programs but also fostering a culture where taking breaks, setting boundaries, and seeking help is normalized.

For employees, it’s essential to recognize the warning signs of burnout—chronic exhaustion, lack of motivation, and decreased performance. It is important to communicate these concerns openly with managers and HR departments, even if it feels uncomfortable. More importantly, companies must respond with empathy and provide the support needed to ensure employees are not pushed to their breaking point.

Setting Realistic Expectations

Employers must reassess their expectations and how they measure employee success. Unrealistic deadlines and heavy workloads should not be used as a standard for evaluating performance. Businesses thrive not when employees are overworked, but when they are engaged, motivated, and able to maintain a balance between work and personal life.

It is the responsibility of leaders to model healthy behaviors, such as taking time off and respecting work hours. This encourages employees to follow suit, without fear of judgment or repercussions. Empowering employees to set clear boundaries and prioritize self-care can lead to a more productive and healthier workforce in the long run.

What We Can Learn from Anna’s Death

Anna Sebastian Perayil’s tragic death serves as a grim reminder of the real cost of overwork. This incident should prompt a rethinking of workplace culture—not only at EY India but across industries. Organizations must prioritize the well-being of their employees over unrealistic output demands. Otherwise, the cost is not just financial but human.

As individuals, we also bear responsibility. Learning to say no, setting boundaries, and taking care of our mental health are crucial steps in protecting ourselves from burnout. Productivity should never come at the expense of well-being.

Let Anna’s story be a turning point. The world of work must evolve into one where people are valued, not just for the hours they clock in but for the unique contributions they bring—and the lives they lead outside of work.