The work-life (off) balance

The death of 26-year-old Anna Sebastian, a chartered accountant at SR Batliboi (an EY Global member firm), has sparked concerns about the overwhelming work culture in India Inc.

Sebastian died in July, four months after joining the firm. Her parents alleged that work-related pressure played a critical role in her demise. “Workload, new environment, and long hours took a toll on her physically, emotionally, and mentally,” her mother Anita Augustine wrote in a letter to EY India Chairman Rajiv Memani.

The letter went viral on social media, prompting others to share similar experiences in the Big Four consulting firms and corporate India at large.

Fewer employees, rising workload

On Friday, around 7 per cent employees of Mumbai-headquartered public-sector bank Union Bank of India went on strike under the Joint Forum of Union Bank Unions, demanding a reduction in work pressure by recruiting more employees.

The strike notice reviewed by Business Standard said: “Over the past two years we have lost nearly 10 colleagues - some taking lives due to unbearable pressure, unreasonable targets, and relentless harassment. These tragedies must stop.”

India shining, not asserting

India Inc’s global ambitions are adding to the stress. Employees work with partners, associates or clients in different time zones - the US, Europe, Australia, et al.

Will Anna’s death be a wake-up call for India Inc? “Unfortunately, no,” says a chief executive officer in a conglomerate.

“Indian companies are now dealing with people in different time zones, which is adding to the pressure. There should be mutual respect in this area - middle and senior managers need to create space and ensure that meetings and calls are set up keeping the Indian time in mind and not just the US or Europe,” he says.