Exclusive/ No Father Should Lose Child to Toxicity: Anna Sebastian's Father Braces for Life Without Daughter

Kochi: Amidst the recent uproar over the death of a 26-year-old EY employee Anna Sebastian Perayil working in Pune allegedly due to excessive workload, her father Sibi Joseph spoke to Republic Media Network in an exclusive interview. Sebastian's death has reignited the debate on overwork and toxicity at workplaces in corporate sector and businesses across the country. In a heart-wrenching outburst, Sibi Joseph told Republic how his daughter Anna Sebastian was made to work during her offs and how the superiors in office allegedly kept pressurizing her with new demands. 

Joseph claimed her daughter Anna Sebastian who was employed at the Ernst & Young Pune branch endured relentless demands from her superiors, leading to severe health deterioration. When asked about what kind of pressure his daughter faced, the grieving father replied, “She was forced to work even after 12:30 AM most nights and was assigned additional tasks constantly,”.

“Her immediate managers were extremely demanding and controlling. The manager responsible for regular reviews rarely contacted her at appropriate times and would often give feedback at odd hours, after which she had to continue working.”

When asked if he knew the names of the managers involved, he replied, “I don’t know their names, but I know the assistant manager assigned extra work, and the manager never followed up regularly. After the meetings at odd hours, she was expected to keep working.”

The family traveled to Pune on July 6 for Anna’s convocation, which took place on July 7. After that, they returned home. “She was staying in a PG accommodation, and we came back after her convocation,” he said.

'Anna Had No Previous Condition'

Anna, according to her father, had no pre-existing health conditions. “She wasn’t suffering from any health issues. The problems only started after she joined EY,” he stated. 

When inquired about the chest pain mentioned in the letter Anna's Mother wrote her father replied, "that was because she couldn’t sleep or eat properly due to the excessive workload.”

'She Had to Sit Through Entire Night'

“She had to sit through the entire night to complete the work,” he added. 

Anna passed away on July 21 and her parents blame the company's excessive workload as the cause of death. “She suddenly collapsed and died before reaching the hospital. No one knows the exact cause whether it was a cardiac arrest or heart attack,” her father said, his voice trembling with grief.

Nobody From EY Attended Funeral

“Nobody from the company came,” he said bitterly. While the company has since issued a public apology, the father expressed his frustration. “What’s the use of an apology now? They should have addressed the problems faced by newcomers. Instead of apologizing now, they should focus on preventing such incidents in the future.” Her father Sibi Joseph said giving an insight into the toxic work environment his daughter had to go through. 

Act, Don't Apologise: Father to EY

When asked if the family plans to take legal action against EY or the managers involved, the father replied, “We’re not going to sue anyone. We wrote a letter to raise awareness about the toxic work culture at the company. After that, someone from the office leaked the letter, and it spread across online platforms.”

“Such an incident should not happen to another parent. No daughter or son should go through what Anna went through" he said. 

Despite the statements made by EY’s leadership, including Chairman Rajeev Mermani, the father feels the company is not genuinely concerned about its employees. “No, the company isn’t really worried about the staff. Even today, I heard someone else addressing the chairman about facing similar situations at EY Pune,” he said.

While some company officials have promised to take action, the father remains skeptical. “Four officials from EY Pune came to meet us. They said they would take appropriate action, but I don’t know what that means—there haven’t been any concrete suggestions so far,” he shared.

Regarding financial support from EY, the father said, “I haven’t received any financial aid from the company so far, but there is some gratuity amount we’re supposed to get. Apart from that, no financial help has been provided.”

Govt Must Step-in To Avoid Toxic Work Culture

The father also called on the Indian government to take action. “The government should look into the matter. There needs to be flexibility in working hours. Toxic corporate culture must be stopped,” he urged.

No Father Should Go Through This: Anna Sebastian's Father 

As the family continues to mourn the loss of their daughter, they hope that her story will serve as a warning and a catalyst for change in the corporate world. “No parent should go through what we have. No son or daughter should endure what Anna went through,” the father said, his voice filled with both sorrow and resolve.

On behalf of Republic TV, we extend our deepest condolences to Anna’s family and hope they find justice for their daughter.