As Centre orders probe in EY Pune employee’s death, we ask doctors how ‘extreme work pressure’ can affect a person

Days after the news of the death of a 26-year-old woman from alleged “work pressure”  went viral, the Union Minister of State Shobha Karandlaje Thursday said that the Labour Ministry has taken note of the complaint and a “thorough investigation into the allegations of an unsafe and exploitative work environment is underway.”

“Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Anna Sebastian Perayil. A thorough investigation into the allegations of an unsafe and exploitative work environment is underway. We are committed to ensuring justice & @LabourMinistry has officially taken up the complaint,” Karandlaje wrote on X.

The investigation follows a heartbreaking letter from the woman’s mother that went viral on social media.

Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Anna Sebastian Perayil. A thorough investigation into the allegations of an unsafe and exploitative work environment is underway. We are committed to ensuring justice & @LabourMinistry has officially taken up the complaint.@mansukhmandviya https://t.co/1apsOm594d

— Shobha Karandlaje (@ShobhaBJP) September 19, 2024

In her letter, Anna’s mother Anita Augustine highlighted the intense work pressure her daughter was under, which she believes contributed to her tragic death on July 20. She expressed concerns about the company’s “new environment” and its potential impact on other employees’ health.

However, Ernst & Young has refuted claims that work pressure was a factor in the employee’s death. The company issued a statement expressing condolences to the bereaved family and emphasising its commitment to employee well-being.

In today’s fast-paced world, many employees face immense pressure to meet deadlines, achieve targets, and work long hours, often at the expense of their physical and mental health. Prolonged exposure to such work stress can seriously affect a person’s overall well-being, affecting both the body and mind.

What are the immediate effects of stress on one’s body and mind?

According to Dr Rakesh Gupta, Senior Consultant–Internal Medicine at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, working under immense pressure activates the body’s “fight or flight” response, releasing stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones increase heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration.

Over time, he said that this constant state of alertness disrupts normal bodily functions, causing headaches, muscle tension, digestive issues, and sleep disorders. Mentally, individuals may experience heightened anxiety, irritability, and difficulty focusing, leading to a decline in productivity.

Here’s how organisations can help manage this stress (Source: Freepik)

What are the long-term health risks?

Dr Saras Prasad, Consultant in Department of Psychiatry, Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital, Noida Extension, warns that when work pressure becomes chronic, it can have severe long-term effects. Persistent stress can lead to mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and burnout. These mental health problems, if unaddressed, can spiral into more serious conditions such as suicidal thoughts.

Dr Nishant Singh, Sr Consultant, Internal Medicine, Yatharth Hospital, Noida Extension, added that chronic work-related stress activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and sympathetic nervous system, leading to sustained elevations in cortisol and catecholamines. This stress response can result in hypertension, tachycardia, and increased cardiovascular strain.

Dr Kumar said that it also compromises the immune system, making the body more vulnerable to infections and illnesses and accelerating premature ageing.

Can this be fatal?

Chronic work-related stress can be fatal, Dr Kumar said, explaining that elevated blood pressure and heart rate over time can lead to cardiac events.

Severe cardiovascular events, such as myocardial infarction or stroke, can be precipitated by chronic stress and may be fatal, Dr Singh added.

In extreme cases, mental health crises caused by stress, such as severe depression or suicidal tendencies, can prove equally deadly.

The Japanese phenomenon of “karoshi,” or death from overwork, exemplifies how unrelenting stress in the workplace can lead to tragic outcomes.

A 26-year-old chartered accountant’s death at Ernst & Young India has sparked a government investigation into allegations of excessive work pressure and an unsafe work environment. (file)

Here’s how organisations can help manage this stress

Debasmita Sinha, Chief Psychologist and Clinical Director Excellence at Manah Wellness, suggested a few steps an employee’s mental well-being program should take:

• Team leads and managers need to be sensitised on the impact their behaviour has on the individual’s mental health.
• Younger employees should be given space to articulate their wellbeing needs, which should be heard, and reasonable actions should be taken by management.
• Hotlines must be provided and promoted for support.
• Educate all employees on personal safety and mental capacity, including recognising signs of distress and taking action in time.
• Embed destressing practices in the workflow to build healthy habits.
• Enhance capacity at all levels to identify early signs of distress and act fast.
• Most important is to listen to the people, with regular surveys and town halls, etc.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.

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