The recent death of 26-year-old Anna Sebastian, an employee at EY in Pune, has raised concerns about the pressures of modern work environments. In a letter to EY India Chairman Rajiv Memani, her mother expressed deep concern about the company’s alleged “glorification” of overwork. She criticised a culture that may have placed immense pressure on employees like her daughter. While an official investigation is underway, this incident highlights the importance of a healthy, balanced, and stress-free work life.

A workplace should prioritise the well-being of its employees, creating a happy, healthy, and safe environment for all. While career growth and success are significant aspects of life, they should never come at the cost of employees’ mental health. When companies create toxic, high-pressure environments, they risk their staff’s physical and psychological health and reduce productivity and innovation. The long-term effects of such stress can be devastating, as seen in Anna’s case.

The boundaries between work and personal life are blurring in today’s increasingly connected world, where technology and social media keep us always online. Employers often expect more from their people, leading to heightened pressure to achieve more significant results—pressures that have reached a breaking point for many as they realise the need for better life balance.

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is essential for sustaining mental and emotional well-being. When employees have the space to balance their careers with their personal lives, they can maintain focus and perform better. A team that thrives in a positive environment delivers higher-quality work instead of being pushed to its limits and producing mediocre results. Prioritising work-life balance isn’t just beneficial for employees—it’s a strategic advantage for businesses and a catalyst for innovation.

Companies must recognise that careers are just one aspect of life and ensure they nurture their teams rather than burn them out. As business leaders, it is essential to ensure that teams can balance work and personal life demands, as even the most dedicated employees may quietly struggle to maintain that equilibrium.