In the wake of a social media storm surrounding the untimely death of a young employee at tax consultancy giant EY, Deloitte has taken decisive action.
The firm has formed a three-member external committee to scrutinize its employee practices, policies, and processes. This move comes as the industry grapples with the delicate balance between work demands and employee well-being.
The EY Tragedy and Action from Deloitte
Anna Sebastian Perayil, a recent Chartered Accountant (CA) who had been working at EY’s Pune office for just four months, tragically lost her life in July.
Her mother’s heartfelt letter to EY India chairman Rajiv Memani revealed that Anna was overwhelmed by an excessive workload, which took a toll on her physical, emotional, and mental health.
The incident sparked outrage and raised critical questions about the work environment within the organization.
Deloitte’s South Asia CEO, Romal Shetty, announced the formation of a three-member external committee.
This committee, which includes former revenue secretary Tarun Bajaj, will conduct a comprehensive review of Deloitte’s people practices. The goal is to identify areas for improvement and ensure a healthier work culture.
Romal emphasized the importance of managing stress in today’s diverse workforce and maintaining an open and supportive environment.
Prioritizing Employee Well-Being
Deloitte’s proactive approach includes having a dedicated Chief Happiness Officer—a role aimed at promoting employee well-being and happiness.
Additionally, the firm takes strict action against any instances of misconduct within its ranks. Romal acknowledged the pressures inherent in client service businesses, where deadlines and demands are constant.
However, he reaffirmed Deloitte’s commitment to balancing these pressures with employee welfare.
The tragic loss of Anna Sebastian Perayil has prompted soul-searching across the industry. Tax consultancy firms—Deloitte, EY, PwC, and KPMG—must now reevaluate their practices.
While Deloitte takes the lead in introspection, the entire sector faces scrutiny. The delicate balance between client service excellence and employee health remains a challenge that requires collective effort and systemic change.
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