The Japanese have a word for it-Karoshi, or death by overwork. India had a tragic encounter with the phenomenon when a distraught mother wrote to her daughter's boss this September, calling out "a work culture that seems to glorify overwork while neglecting the very human beings behind the roles". It cost their daughter her life.
Anna Sebastian Perayil, a bright, young chartered accountant, was just four months into her 'dream job' with SR Batliboi, a member firm of global accounting and consulting firm EY, when she collapsed at home one day, and died. Anna was just 26.
"The workload, the new environment and long hours took a toll on her physically, emotionally and mentally," Anna's mum wrote. "She began experiencing anxiety, sleeplessness and stress soon after joining, but she kept pushing herself, believing that hard work and perseverance were the keys to success.... The relentless demands and the pressure to meet unrealistic expectations are not sustainable, and they cost us the life of a young girl with so much potential." Anxiety, sleeplessness, stress... It is a feeling familiar to many an Indian employee, and none more than Gen Z, the generation born between 1995 and 2012.
A 2023 survey of over 2,000 employees, conducted by online emotional wellness platform YourDOST, found that 60.1 per cent of the respondents reported experiencing high or extreme stress, a 30.3 per cent increase over 2022. It seemed to be the highest in the 21-30 age group, where 64.4 per cent of the respondents complained of high or extreme stress, compared to 53.6 per cent in the 41-50 age group.
This story is from the November 25, 2024 edition of India Today.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November 25, 2024 edition of India Today.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
WEAVE A STORY
Saree plays muse and material in this modern iteration
SIMPLE LIVING
Spatial planning meets spirituality, and up-cyling meets unconventional design practices, in this Gurgaon home
HARMONY IN DESIGN
Using principles of vaastu coupled with a creative interplay of open and closed spaces, this home in Vadodara is a welcome sight
THE NEW ECO CHIC
This home in Kerala is designed on the principles of climate responsive architecture
Crafting a New Look
A look at five festive artistic finds from Jaipur to brighten your celebrations
NAMES TO KNOW
From homes and offices to banquets and hotels, these architects and designers' approach to design is paving the way for some exciting spaces
CHIC AND COSY
Let your indoor winter wonderland revel in bold bedding, quilted beauties and charming cushions
STEP INTO STYLE
This winter, international collaborations are lending the Indian carpet industry a unique look underfoot
DECK THE HALLS
With this festive array of accessories, cushions and X'mas-themed decoratives
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Looking for Christmas inspiration? Here are plenty of ideas to steal and products to make it come to life.