The recent tragic death of an EY Pune employee has reignited discussions around Narayana Murthy’s controversial “70-hour work week” remark
The tragic death of a 26-year-old Ernst & Young (EY) employee in Pune has left many shocked. In a heart-wrenching letter to EY India Chairman Rajiv Memani, the deceased’s mother claimed her daughter was “overworked” and “exhausted,” sparking an important conversation about work-life balance. This incident has also rekindled memories of Narayana Murthy’s controversial “70-hour work week” comment.
Narayana Murthy’s remark:
In a conversation with former Infosys CFO Mohandas Pai last year, Murthy suggested that to enhance the country’s work productivity, young people should work at least 70 hours a week. His comment sparked intense debate on social media, with corporate leaders either endorsing or criticizing the idea.
The recent tragic death of a CA from EY in Pune has ignited conversations about the lack of work-life balance in Indian corporate culture, highlighting the intense pressures faced by many professionals.
On X, CA Rishika Gupta remarked, “While EY is facing criticism, it’s important to note that the ‘late sitting’ culture and overworking are glorified and seen as the norm not just in the Big 4 but across many corporations. Remember Narayana Murthy’s comment on the 70-hour work week?”
The X post sparked a flurry of reactions. One user commented, “You make a valid point. Although the recent events at EY are troubling, it’s crucial to acknowledge that long work hours and a culture of overwork are widespread in many corporate environments, not just within the Big 4.”
Another user added, “Nowadays, leaving work on time feels like a crime in corporate culture.”
A third user remarked, “I was wondering why this issue hadn’t been raised earlier. Mr. Murthy was essentially advocating for this.” A fourth user added, “That person should be equally criticized and opposed!”
EY’s response to the tragic death:
“Although no measure can truly compensate for the family’s loss, we have provided and will continue to provide all necessary assistance during this difficult time,” the company stated regarding the death of the 26-year-old CA.
“We are deeply saddened by Anna Sebastian’s tragic and untimely passing in July 2024, and our heartfelt condolences go out to her family,” the statement read.
It continued, “Anna was a member of the Audit team at S R Batliboi, an EY Global affiliate in Pune, for a brief period of four months, having joined the firm on March 18, 2024. Her promising career being cut short in this tragic way is an immense loss for all of us.”