Reacting to the death of an Ernst & Young (EY) employee allegedly due to ‘overwork,’ Minister of Labour and Employment Mansukh Mandaviya assured that appropriate action will be taken based on the findings of the ongoing investigation. Mandaviya expressed sorrow over the incident, saying, “Whether it’s a white-collar job or any worker, the death of a citizen is saddening. The matter is under investigation, and action will follow according to the facts revealed.”
Earlier, EY issued a statement expressing deep sadness over the tragic death of the 26-year-old chartered accountant, who passed away on July 20, allegedly due to work-related stress. The firm’s response followed a viral letter written by the victim’s mother, in which she accused EY’s demanding work culture and excessive workload of contributing to her daughter’s untimely death.
In her letter, the mother described her daughter’s struggles with anxiety, sleeplessness, and stress caused by an overwhelming workload. She also highlighted instances where the victim’s manager appeared to prioritize work over employee well-being.
EY acknowledged the victim’s short tenure with the company and extended condolences to her grieving family. Addressing the allegations, the firm stated, “We are taking the family’s concerns with the utmost seriousness and humility. We prioritize the well-being of our employees and will continue to explore ways to ensure a healthy workplace for our 100,000 staff across EY member firms in India.”
Also read: Deloitte Ex-Employee Reveals ‘Tough’ Work Culture After EY Consultant’s Tragic Death
The company also noted that it had provided support to the family and pledged continued assistance. The incident has sparked a nationwide debate on issues of work-life balance, mental health, and corporate responsibility.