I believe companies that operate in this fashion, eventually self implode on themselves. Meaning, The toxic manor in which they run their office, as above, eventually get the wrong people fired, or they quit from exhaustion. When numerous repeat complaints get sent up to the higher ups, those managers end up in lesser positions, or find other jobs elsewhere. The person who wrote the above must have worked in the same office as I did as what they describe is exactly what I went thru at my previous job. I would say if you find yourself in this position down the line you will end up getting terminated, or quitting. Those who beat the odds I applaud you.

The answer to a micromanaging boss is to outplay and outlast. Micromanage your documentation. Everything they say and do, in regards to you. Log it. Document what you did/were ordered to do and why. Documentation of how you are treated. I out survived my last manager.

Whenever you notice the management style switch to one of micromanaging, RUN!! I can't think of a single person who'd go through a wall to work for a firm where your bathroom breaks are timed, have to keep a log detailing every single day, where bosses eavesdrop and report your conversations and/or that wonderful phrase "and other tasks as assigned" turns into menial labor like having to clean the bathroom, the breakroom or some other time waster that has nothing to do with your job because your department is always understaffed. For some reason, firms think this makes for an ideal work environment and is good motivation. even worse is when many people start quitting at once and they don't care. scratches head

These are signs of systemic problems from the top

So true, the lady is right

So passive aggressive projection from the bosses is a red flag?