In a candid interview, Zoho CEO and Co-Founder Sridhar Vembu raised alarm over the toxic work culture prevalent in many Indian companies, warning that the relentless pace some organizations impose on employees is unsustainable. Vembu emphasized that while hard work is essential, pushing workers to the brink with long hours and mounting pressures will eventually lead to burnout, a situation he likened to “throwing people into a very big pressure cooker.”

Vembu’s remarks resonate with the growing number of tragic incidents where young professionals have succumbed to the pressures of a toxic work environment. In July this year, 26-year-old Anna Sebastian Perayil, an associate at SR Batliboi, a member firm of Ernst & Young (EY), passed away. Her mother, Anita Augustine, attributed the death to excessive work stress, stating that Anna often worked late into the night, including weekends. In a heartfelt letter to EY India chairman Rajiv Memani, Augustine condemned the company’s work practices and revealed that no representatives from the firm attended her daughter’s funeral. In response, Memani expressed his commitment to improving employee well-being, calling it his “top-most priority.”

Anna’s story, unfortunately, is not an isolated case. Recently, Tarun Saxena, an employee of Bajaj Finance, died by suicide in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, leaving behind a heart-wrenching note detailing the intense pressure he faced at work. Saxena, whose job involved collecting EMIs, described how he was threatened with salary cuts and even forced to personally cover unpaid amounts. His pleas for relief from his supervisors were ignored. Saxena’s suicide note, addressed to his family, expressed his despair and the unbearable stress he endured from his superiors.

Bajaj Finance, in response, called Saxena’s death a “tragic loss” and stated that they were supporting his family. The company acknowledged the toxic work culture allegations, placing concerned employees on administrative leave and launching an internal investigation.

These incidents bring to light the harsh realities faced by many employees in corporate India. Vembu pointed out additional factors contributing to the unhealthy environment, such as loneliness due to migration to urban centers and long commutes, which only exacerbate the strain on young professionals.

For Vembu, the solution lies in fostering a balanced, sustainable work environment that prioritizes long-term well-being. “I’ve been working for nearly 28 years, and I hope to continue for another 28. But that won’t be possible if I burn out, and I don’t want any of our people to burn themselves out either,” he said, underscoring the importance of a more humane approach to work.