EY employee’s death: “Don’t make work your life”, advises psychiatrist

Following the tragic death of an EY employee allegedly due to “overwork,” a psychiatrist from Sir Ganga Ram Hospital stressed the serious symptoms associated with work-related stress and urged employees not to let their jobs consume their lives.

Rajiv Mehta, the psychiatrist, told ANI, “Work stress can lead to symptoms such as reduced interest, sadness, irritability, decreased focus, forgetfulness, feelings of helplessness and hopelessness, suicidal thoughts, and anxiety.”

He highlighted the need to address the pressures of work and encouraged individuals to pursue hobbies and interests outside of their jobs. “Engage in various activities you enjoy. Don’t let work be your sole focus. Life is about family, friends, and leisure. While ambition is important, it’s essential to exercise patience.”

Dr. Mehta also called for a more compassionate attitude from employers, stating, “Employers must recognize that employees are human beings, not machines. It’s vital to be assertive about these needs.”

Previously, Ernst & Young (EY) expressed profound sorrow over the passing of a 26-year-old chartered accountant on July 20, which was reportedly linked to work-related stress. This announcement followed a heartfelt letter from the victim’s mother, which circulated widely on social media, alleging that EY’s work culture and excessive workload contributed to her daughter’s death.

In her letter, the mother detailed her daughter’s struggles with anxiety, insomnia, and stress from an overwhelming workload, citing instances where her manager prioritized work over employee well-being.

EY acknowledged the employee’s brief tenure at the firm and extended condolences to the family. Regarding the allegations, EY stated, “We take the family’s correspondence very seriously. The well-being of our employees is our top priority, and we are dedicated to enhancing a healthy workplace for our 100,000 employees across EY member firms in India.”

The firm also confirmed it has provided support to the family and will continue to do so. This incident has sparked a nationwide conversation about work-life balance, mental health, and corporate responsibility.