The whole "don't trust employees to do the work" thing is an interesting statement. It reveals a lot about how the business measures and keeps track of its own performance.

Just how much was being done in the office pre-pandemic? Those businesses likely didn't actually know. well they sure looked busy, right?

The abuse aspect is also interesting. Friend of mine got verbally abused. On zoom video with audio. While it was recording. So that was an experience when HR got involved.

Overworking is another aspect. That is still being explored. Plenty of scope for that to blow up as well.