Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has stepped forward to address the growing concern over workplace stress and pressure following the tragic death of a 26-year-old Ernst & Young (EY) employee, Anna Sebastian. In a deeply emotional and heartrending conversation with Anna's father, Sibi Joseph, Tharoor expressed his commitment to raising the issue in Parliament to ensure that human rights are not limited to the workplace.
Anna Sebastian, who joined EY Pune in March 2024, passed away in July 2024 after four months of working under extreme stress. Her father described the immense pressure she faced, working seven days a week for up to 14 hours a day, which ultimately led to her cardiac arrest. This incident has sparked widespread outrage and calls for reforms within the corporate sector.
Tharoor has proposed legislation mandating an 8-hour workday, five days a week, across all workplaces, whether in the private or public sectors. He emphasized that 'human rights do not stop at work' and that 'inhumanity at the workplace must be legislated out of existence with stringent punishment and fines for offenders.'
The proposed reforms aim to address the increasing concerns over employee burnout and workplace stress in high-demand industries. Tharoor's initiative has gained significant attention, with many calling for immediate action to protect employees from such extreme work pressures.
Anna's mother, Anita Augustine, has also written an emotional letter to EY India Chairman Rajiv Memani, seeking justice and calling for reforms within the organization. The Centre has launched a probe into the circumstances that led to Anna's death, highlighting the urgent need for workplace reforms.
Tharoor's commitment to addressing workplace stress is part of a broader effort to normalize break culture and promote workplace wellness. His proposal for legislation is seen as a crucial step towards ensuring that employees are protected from inhumane work practices.
The incident has triggered a national conversation about employee well-being and the need for stringent regulations to prevent such tragedies in the future. Shashi Tharoor's leadership in this matter is expected to bring significant attention to the issue and potentially lead to meaningful changes in workplace policies.
