EY Employee Death Sparks Call to Address Workplace Toxicity

The untimely death of a 26-year-old multinational audit firm Ernst & Young (EY) employee shook the corporate world with discussions and debates around toxic work culture being at the forefront. The incident came to light after the letter written by the mother of the deceased employee to EY Indian chairman, Rajiv Memani, surfaced on social media. Social media platform, particularly X, became an open forum for people from different companies across industries to open up about their experiences of working in a corporate setting. 

“...she hinted that the workload, new environment, and long hours took a toll on her physically, emotionally, and mentally. She experienced anxiety, sleeplessness, and stress soon after joining the audit firm,” said the mother of the deceased EY employee in a letter. 

Recently, a viral video on Instagram by an EY Gurgaon employee, that showed workers of the audit firm celebrating Diwali in office, enraged some users. The users felt agitated by the timing of the celebration, as just a few months ago the firm became a model for what constitutes a toxic workplace. 

Q1. What is a toxic culture in the workplace? 

Although there’s no fixed definition to define what can or cannot be called toxic at the workplace, it largely comprises a culture that focuses more on output and production than its employees.  

Q2. What are the effects of toxicity in the workplace? 

Toxic workplaces affect different individuals differently. Largely, it can lead to reduced employee engagement, higher rates of burnout, greater rates of absenteeism and turnover, pervasive feelings of negativity, decreased feelings of psychological safety in employees, using of harsh and unprofessional language, etc. 

Q3. How to build a better culture at work? 

Companies that constantly take steps to ensure a healthy working environment largely follow a ‘people-first’ company culture. Employees are likely to prefer companies whose sole motive doesn’t just revolve around making profits. Additionally, more frequent check-ins with employees play a crucial role in combating a toxic work culture. It also fosters open, honest communication, allowing employees to express concerns, seek guidance and feel heard. 

It’s equally important to train employers and bosses about toxic workplace practices and how to prevent them.

Also Read: https://www.outlookbusiness.com/interviews/mental-health-is-central-to-a-healthy-work-environment-says-amazons-shantanu-chakraborty