An Open Letter on the True Cost of Hustle Culture

I write to you today with a heavy heart and an urgent plea for change. Recent events have compelled me to speak out against the toxic work culture and glorified "hustle culture" that have become all too prevalent in our society.

Let me share with you the story of Anna Sebastian Perayil, a 26-year-old chartered accountant at Ernst & Young (EY) in Pune who lost her life on July 20, 2024. Anna's mother attributed her death to overwhelming work pressure and a toxic work environment, stating that Anna was burdened with excessive workloads and long hours since joining the firm just four months prior. What surprised me the most is that in her letter, she wasn't trying to blame anyone. She was only concerned about more Annas out there. The depth of her compassion in the face of such a personal tragedy is both inspiring and devastating. Shame on us for creating a world where such letters need to be written.

Tragically, Anna's story is not an isolated incident. Consider these recent cases:

1. Saurabh Kumar Laddha: In February 2024, this 25-year-old consultant at McKinsey & Company took his life after feeling immense pressure from his demanding job, struggling to meet tight deadlines.
2. PGIMER Employees: In March 2024, two employees from the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh committed suicide due to increased workloads exacerbated by staff shortages, highlighting systemic issues within the institution.
3. Vishal Pramod Salvi: A 36-year-old IT professional committed suicide in July 2024 following harassment from his manager at work. He had been subjected to threats and humiliation, which contributed to his decision to end his life.

These heartbreaking stories lay bare the harsh reality of how we've become blinded by work, money, power, and an ill-defined notion of success. I ask you: What are we really chasing in this relentless rat race? More money? Greater success? And at what cost?

From my personal observations, this problem is three-fold:

1. It starts with parenting, where our self-image is carved early on.
2. Our own expectations, influenced by seeing young millionaires, make us forget to live our lives in pursuit of similar success.
3. Company management that abuses employees' time, energy, and health, taking advantage of our inability to say no.

I confess, I was once caught up in this chaos too. I used to pride myself on my "hustle," feeling guilty for even an hour of relaxation. The pandemic, however, forced me to confront this mindset. When my entire family fell ill, I realized what truly mattered: their health, happiness, and our time together. This experience was a wake-up call, showing me the stupidity of sacrificing our present for an uncertain future.

In my 20s, I believed in the mantra of working tirelessly now for an early retirement later. But the fragility of life, so starkly demonstrated by the pandemic, shattered this illusion. Now entering my 30s, I've shifted my focus. I seek to create memories, pursue genuine happiness, and find a sustainable work-life balance. Everyone has a different path, but I believe we can all agree on one fundamental truth: nothing is worth sacrificing your life for – not a job, not obligations, not an inability to say "no."

To address this issue, change needs to start from multiple fronts:

1. Parenting: Parents, stop glorifying your child's constant hustle or being proud that your kid works around the clock. This isn't something to celebrate; it's a serious cause for concern. Instead of pushing children to do more, help them slow down the pace. Teach them the value of rest, play, and balanced living. This will help children grow up with clear priorities, a strong sense of self-worth beyond their productivity, and the ability to set healthy boundaries.
2. Personal Growth: As employees, we often take on unnecessary tasks to stand out, imposing additional stress on ourselves. Let your skills speak for themselves. You don't need to be a sycophant to succeed. While it might seem beneficial in the short term, maintaining your integrity and wellbeing will win in the long run.
3. Mindfulness: As I grow older, I realize that the more mindful we are about ourselves, the more efficient we become at work. It's about understanding what works for us and what doesn't. This reflection is impossible when we're caught up in the rat race.

The book I'm currently reading, "The Happiness Advantage" by Shawn Achor, challenges our common assumption: it's not that success brings happiness, but rather happiness leads to success. This insight reinforces the importance of prioritizing our well-being, not just for its own sake, but as a path to better outcomes in all areas of life, including our careers.

To the companies reading this: please understand that employment is a mutual exchange, not a favor that entitles you to demand our lives. These tragic cases should prompt serious reflection and change. It's unconscionable that a company wouldn't attend the funeral of an employee who died in their service. We must do better.

Let me speak in business terms, if that's the language you better understand: Onboarding a new employee costs you significantly more in time and money compared to keeping your existing employees happy. Consider this:

• The cost of replacing an employee can range from 50% to 200% of their annual salary, depending on their role and seniority.
• Happy employees are 13% more productive, according to Oxford University research.
• Companies with high employee engagement are 21% more profitable.

Let's put this into a simple formula:

Cost of Turnover = (Cost to Hire + Cost to Onboard + Lost Productivity) x Number of Turnovers

Now, compare this to:

Value of Retention = (Increased Productivity + Increased Profitability + Institutional Knowledge Retained) x Number of Employees Retained

Happy employees are more likely to stay loyal, reducing turnover costs and maintaining productivity. If not just about ethics; take it as a smart business strategy. Investing in your employees' well-being is investing in your company's long-term success. Every 1% increase in employee well-being could lead to a 10% decrease in turnover costs and a 2% increase in productivity.

However, I want to acknowledge those companies that are already being respectful towards their employees: You deserve more respect! I firmly believe that these are the companies that ultimately perform better, as they understand the importance of keeping their employees happy and healthy. Your practices serve as a beacon for others to follow.

Personally, I've been fortunate never to have worked for companies that demanded sleepless nights. But I see my friends facing burnouts frequently, and I'm legitimately scared for them. This isn't just about individual stories; it's about a systemic issue that affects countless lives.

And to all the hard workers out there, please remember:

1. Your job is not your life.
2. Learning to say "no" is crucial, especially when your health is at stake.
3. You have options – just as companies can replace employees, you can find new employers.
4. Know your rights and your limits.

This is a cry of anger at our current work culture. What truly terrifies me is seeing unhealthy hustle not just continuing, but being glorified. The problem is so pervasive that singling out specific entities would be an endless task. Instead, this is a call for collective action. It's time we all - individuals, companies, and society - recognize that our well-being is as crucial as financial success. We must create a work environment that values human life and happiness as much as productivity and profit.

In closing, I pray for Anna's soul to rest in peace and for strength for her family throughout this difficult time.

Sincerely,

Disappointed.