Harsh Goenka ‘baffled’ as Ashneer Grover praises ‘toxic work’ culture

Harsh Goenka, the chairman of Mumbai-headquartered RPG group has criticized BharatPe co-founder Ashneer Grover while sharing an old video on X (formerly Tweeter) where the latter is seen advocating a toxic work environment. Goenka remarked he was surprised to see somebody supporting a toxic work culture. Giving the hashtag #AnnaPerayil to cite the recent tragic death of an overworked chartered accountant, Goenka tweeted, "It’s baffling to see anyone advocate for a toxic environment. 

 

It’s baffling to see anyone advocate for a toxic environment. #AnnaPerayil
Your views? pic.twitter.com/QhPnCeKhxq

— Harsh Goenka (@hvgoenka) September 19, 2024

What did Ashneer Grover say in the video?

A video clip of Ashneer Grover has gone viral on social media describing the work environment at Ernst & Young or EY as “lifeless” and praising the work done in “toxic” office spaces. 

In the video, Grover reveals why he quit EY in one day despite a ₹1 crore package. He explains that he did so because he thought the office atmosphere was too dull and filled with “Zinda laash (living corpses).” So,  he acted like he had chest pain to get out of the place on day one. The BharatPe co-founder went on saying the best office is the one where people are fighting, adding, “Jahan pe koi bol raha hai toxic culture hai, bahut sahi office hai (If anyone is saying an office has a toxic culture, then that one is the best).” According to him, that’s the only place where work gets done. 

While Grover commented on the silence and “lifelessness” of the EY office, netizens are questioning if glorifying toxic work culture was the right choice.

A serious modern-day issue: Toxic work culture

The serious debate on toxic work culture and long working hours is doing the rounds after the tragic death of a 26-year-old Chartered Accountant, Anna Sebastian Perayil, who was working at EY. Her mother alleged that she died due to immense work pressure and long working hours, which had taken a toll on her physical and mental health.

In a separate post on X, Goenka requested the central government to take immediate action and help promote a healthier workplace culture.

After the young chartered accountant’s death, several former employees of EY India as well as other companies have shared their thoughts on the taxing work culture in modern office environments.

The Union labor ministry has taken up the complaint and will be investigating the death of the EY employee.

Read also: This fired techie turned to a Swiggy delivery partner for survival (startuppedia.in)