In India’s relentless work culture, where exhaustion is worn like a badge of honour, the tragic death of Anna Sebastian—a bright young Chartered Accountant—serves as a chilling reminder of the human costs behind the glorification of overwork. Four months into her first job, Anna’s promising life was cut short. Her story is not an anomaly; it reflects a deepening crisis among India’s young professionals who are sacrificing their health to meet the demands of increasingly toxic work environments.
Anna’s mother recalls how her daughter, who excelled academically and was celebrated as a top performer, was crushed under the weight of her new job’s expectations. Initially excited to join a prestigious firm, Anna was soon trapped in a cycle of endless hours, overwhelming workloads, and unattainable targets. Even when her body began to show signs of distress—chest pain, insomnia, and severe anxiety—Anna continued to push through, convinced that hard work was the only path to success. In her final days, she worked late into the night, including weekends, sacrificing sleep and personal time. This fatal neglect of self-care ultimately cost her, her life.
Anna’s death forces us to confront a critical question: Where do we draw the line between professional dedication and preserving our health? Indian society places immense value on the concept of karma, emphasizing duty and hard work as central to one’s identity. Yet, there is a growing misconception that fulfilling our responsibilities means neglecting our health. The truth is, work-life balance is not a luxury, but a necessity. The mere existence of defined working hours signifies that a boundary must be maintained. We owe it to ourselves to use the rest of our time to recharge—nurturing our personal lives, hobbies, and, above all, our wellbeing.Anna’s case is far from unique. Across India, young professionals are increasingly ensnared in work environments where chronic stress, anxiety, and physical ailments like body aches and migraines have become normalized. The GOQii India Fit Report 2020 exposes an alarming reality: only 38% of Indians are considered healthy, with women facing worse outcomes than men. Rising lifestyle diseases, such as diabetes and high cholesterol, are now affecting younger populations. These statistics lay bare the health risks posed by overwork and the disregard for personal wellbeing.
The mental health crisis in Indian workplaces is also intensifying. A Deloitte study conducted during the second wave of the pandemic revealed that India ranked highest among 18 countries in terms of workplace anxiety. While mental health awareness has grown, the structural pressures that drive these issues have worsened. Mental health struggles at work often lead to severe physical illnesses, from hypertension to diabetes and cardiovascular problems. These aren’t just personal issues—they’re systemic failures. The human cost of inaction is far too high, and the burden is falling disproportionately on the country’s younger workforce.
However, work and health don’t need to be in opposition. As someone who has always prioritized a balanced lifestyle, I’ve found that physical and mental wellbeing are crucial for productivity. Simple practices like yoga, meditation, and maintaining a nutritious diet have allowed me to sustain my energy and focus. This isn’t just about individual responsibility; it’s about shifting the mindset of entire organizations. Workplaces that push their employees to the breaking point need to understand that health and productivity are not mutually exclusive—they are interdependent.
For too long, companies in India have neglected their responsibility for employee wellbeing. The workplace is where many spend the majority of their waking hours, and its environment significantly impacts physical and mental health. Much like schools are accountable for the wellbeing of students, organizations must take responsibility for their employees. They can no longer afford to claim that health is outside their purview.
What can be done? Organizations must adopt proactive measures like regular health check-ups, wellness sessions, and mental health days. Creating open spaces where employees can discuss their mental and physical health freely, without fear of judgment, is essential. Policies such as period leaves, mental health breaks, and flexible working hours should become standard practice and should be penetrated down to all employees. Additionally, employing dedicated mental health professionals and offering preventive healthcare programmes will not only improve individual wellbeing but also lead to higher retention and sustained productivity.
However, these solutions need broader support to be effective. Government intervention is critical for ensuring that organizations comply with employee wellbeing measures. Policies should mandate wellness programmes for larger companies, while offering tax incentives to those that prioritize employee health. Legal requirements for health check-ups, mental health leaves, and work-hour limits could ensure these measures are implemented across industries. Such regulations would align corporate interests with national public health goals, reinforcing that wellbeing is a shared responsibility between organizations and the state.
Incorporating wellbeing into company policies must be seen as a long-term investment, not a cost. By allocating funds for employee health just as they do for growth and innovation, companies will see long-term gains in productivity and employee satisfaction. Governments, too, must recognize that a healthy workforce is essential for national prosperity, making policy changes that benefit both employees and employers. Ultimately, wellbeing is not just a private issue but a public one—requiring coordinated efforts from companies and the government to ensure a healthy and productive workforce for the future.
Anna’s death was avoidable. It is a stark indictment of the toxic work environments that continue to thrive in India today. Her story must serve as a wake-up call—not just for businesses, but for society at large. It is time to reframe our understanding of work. Health is not a barrier to success—it is the foundation upon which all success is built.
No job, no promotion, no project is worth sacrificing our wellbeing. The time has come for India’s corporate sector to recognize this and make tangible changes. Only then can we prevent further tragedies like Anna’s and build workplaces where employees can thrive—both professionally and personally.
Let us honour Anna’s memory by ensuring that her story becomes a catalyst for change, and not a cautionary tale that fades into the background. Health is essential. Without it, no amount of work can truly be called success.
The author, Diksha Patial, is Manager – Strategic Partnerships at OneStage.
DISCLAIMER: The views expressed are solely of the author and ETHRWorld does not necessarily subscribe to it. ETHRWorld will not be responsible for any damage caused to any person or organisation directly or indirectly.
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