Parents of Late Anna Raise Concerns Over EY’s Silence; HR Practices Under Scrutiny

Pune, 25th September 2024: In a recent development regarding the tragic case of Anna Sebastian Perayil, a 26-year-old chartered accountant who passed away while working for EY’s member firm S.R. Batliboi and Co, her parents have expressed their heartbreak and frustration over EY’s lack of action and communication following their daughter’s death.

Speaking to Punekar News Consulting Editor Tikam Shekhawat, Anna’s parents highlighted their disappointment, stating that despite filing a complaint, no inquiry or meaningful response has been initiated by EY. They further criticized the company’s Human Resources (HR) department for its failure to explain or provide clarity on benefits such as Provident Fund (PF) and insurance benefits to the family.

Traditionally, HR departments are expected to handle such sensitive situations with empathy and transparency, particularly in terms of guiding the family through the financial benefits the employee was entitled to. However, in Anna’s case, the family has confirmed that neither EY’s management nor its HR department has taken the time to explain or clarify what has been settled and remitted to them.

The case has sparked a wider conversation about the casual and indifferent approach adopted by the management and HR department across corporates in such situations. Industry employees have voiced their concerns, calling for greater accountability and empathy from HR leaders when dealing with the families of deceased employees.

EY has yet to communicate any details regarding the full and final settlement, leaving the family deeply disturbed by the company’s lack of engagement. The incident has put a spotlight on the need for sensitive & Empathetic HR Leaders to handle such cases with compassion, rather than simply fulfilling formalities through emails.

The family, and many others, are waiting for a proper response from EY to address these concerns.