The tragic story of Anna Sebastian Perayil, a young chartered accountant (CA), has recently captured national attention. Her parents claim that she passed away due to the intense work-related stress stemming from Ernst & Young’s (EY) toxic work environment.
Anna’s untimely death has ignited discussions about the immense pressure many professionals face in demanding corporate environments. Her story has resonated deeply with those in similar fields, prompting many to share their frustration, grief, and solidarity on social media.
Amid this, an old video of businessman Ashneer Grover resurfaced online. In the viral clip, Grover discusses his own experience with Ernst & Young (EY), where he was offered a partnership role.
Ashneer Grover Criticizes EY’s Work Culture in Viral Video
In the video, Ashneer Grover recounts his interview for a job at EY after leaving his position as CFO of Grofers. He was offered a ₹1 crore salary and decided to tour the office before joining. However, Grover found the environment so unappealing that he faked chest pain to leave early. He remarked on the company’s culture, saying, “They were such dead people, only their last rites were remaining.”
Surprisingly, Grover also expressed a controversial opinion, defending toxic work environments as productive, while dismissing non-toxic workplaces as ineffective. He stated, “If someone says a place has a toxic culture, that’s a good place. Real work happens there.”
Harsh Goenka Reacts to Grover’s Comments
Businessman Harsh Goenka reacted to Grover’s remarks by sharing the video on X (formerly Twitter), expressing his confusion. He wrote, “It’s baffling to see anyone advocate for a toxic environment. #AnnaPerayil Your views?”
It’s baffling to see anyone advocate for a toxic environment. #AnnaPerayil
Your views? pic.twitter.com/QhPnCeKhxq— Harsh Goenka (@hvgoenka) September 19, 2024
Public Reaction to Grover’s Statements
Ashneer Grover’s comments have sparked widespread debate, with many, including his fans, criticizing his stance on toxic workplaces. However, some pointed out that Grover had previously warned about EY’s working environment.
Think whom you are making your hero?
This man is @Ashneer_Grover , he is known for his abuses more than anything else . He authored a book “Doglapan”, and as per livemint : As of February 2024, over 36 lakh copies are sold . He is hero for bad reasons . #AnnaPerayil https://t.co/UIwgazjPjl— varun kumar (@varun4tweet) September 20, 2024
People who have already made huge money have moral rights to talk sense and nonsense both on public platform, rest can ignore and focus on their goals.
— Investors Cafe: (@ValueIn84502221) September 19, 2024
That’s the reason this fellow got kicked out from his own organization.
One needs a “special” skill and mindset to achieve such a feat.— D Prasanth Nair (@DPrasanthNair) September 20, 2024
What are your thoughts on Ashneer Grover’s perspective? Do you believe his views are too extreme?
