Anna Perayil death: How Gen Z is shunning hustle culture for balanced work-life
As young professionals increasingly push back against exploitative work cultures, companies must reassess outdated notions of performance and prioritise employee wellbeing
by Arunima Jha · India TodayThe death of 26-year-old Anna Sebastian Perayil, a chartered accountant with EY Global member firm SR Batliboi, has ignited a critical conversation about workplace stress and work-life balance in corporate India. Allegedly driven to exhaustion by the pressures of her job, Perayil’s passing has sparked a debate about exploitative work environments and the changing demands of a young workforce that increasingly prioritises mental health over traditional notions of success.
More and more Generation Z professionals are now rejecting the so-called hustle culture in favour of healthier work conditions. For many professionals, the circumstances around Anna’s death in July, revealed in her mother Anita Augustine’s viral letter, also epitomise the generational clash at the workplace, with Gen Z being far more vocal about their desire for balance and wellbeing.
A LinkedIn survey, published in 2023, found work-life balance was top priority for 36 per cent of young workers, overtaking traditional ambitions such as promotions and pay raises. Yet, many companies operate under outdated norms that prioritise long hours at work over health and happiness.
Hritik Nath, a 24-year-old sales executive in Mumbai who recently quit due to similar issues, spoke about the overwhelming demands placed on him. “I had no time for my studies or personal life, and the work culture was extremely hectic,” he shared, adding that he faced penalties despite meeting daily targets. Nath’s story reflects a common complaint among young professionals—unrealistic expectations coupled with little regard for employee wellbeing. “In the name of getting experience, the company was burning me out,” he said.
Graveyard shifts and burnout
Graveyard shifts, which typically run from midnight to early morning, are notorious for their impact on workers’ health. Numerous studies have shown that working during these hours can disrupt the body’s natural circadian rhythms, leading to sleep disorders, increased stress and long-term health problems such as heart disease. In industries like media, where deadlines are tight and news is constantly breaking, employees work these shifts at the cost of their mental or physical wellbeing.
Shreya Singh (name changed), a 23-year-old media professional in north India’s media capital Noida, highlighted the damaging effects of graveyard shifts. “Graveyard shifts, especially in newsroom environments, can be detrimental to health, more so for those struggling with sleep issues or anxiety,” she said.
In Anna’s case, it was not graveyard shift that took a toll but, as her mother has indicated, the relentless workload. Many professionals who have worked at large firms have spoken about the burnout that comes with such environments. Overwork, particularly during peak seasons, is seen as the price one must pay for career advancement.
Vijay Shankar (name changed), a 26-year-old corporate employee in New Delhi, explained how he was promoted recently, only to find that the new responsibilities did not come with a corresponding pay increase. “I was so happy with the news,” he said, “but later got to know that only my responsibilities were increasing. My salary would be the same.”
A toxic work culture
The absence of strong labour protections and the expectation of long hours create an environment ripe for exploitation. According to data from the International Labour Organization (ILO), 51 per cent of India’s workforce clocks more than 49 hours a week. In a country where overwork is often seen as a virtue, professionals are routinely pushed beyond their limits, without adequate support.
The concept of ‘karoshi’, or death from overwork, is well-known in Japan. In India, while the term itself is not widely used, the phenomenon is becoming all too familiar. Research has shown that chronic stress from overwork increases the risk of heart disease and other life-threatening conditions. The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and healthcare brand MediBuddy reported in July that 62 per cent of Indian employees experience stress and burnout from work, three times the global average.
“The toxic work culture is so deeply ingrained in our system that employees often hesitate to request holidays, despite being fully entitled to them. This reluctance stems from the fear of being perceived as uncommitted or facing repercussions, creating an environment where burnout is normalised,” said Nath.
Such attitudes not only affect mental and physical health but also perpetuate an unhealthy standard of work. “The notion that employees who work beyond their regular hours are seen as more dedicated, while those who efficiently complete their tasks within working hours face unwarranted shame, needs to be re-evaluated. True productivity should be measured by an individual’s ability to meet responsibilities on time while maintaining a healthy work-life balance,” argued Shankar.
Anna’s death is a stark reminder of the urgent need for change in corporate India’s working style. As young professionals increasingly push back against exploitative work environments, companies must recognise the importance of mental health, fair compensation and work-life balance.