Corporations save money when people quit vs. being fired so cruelty is designed to make people quit. For those who do not succumb to cruelty there are impossible transfers designed to make people quit.
For those who still hold on a false report of an infraction, demotion or a fire - rehire within 24 hours without benefits are common. By this time the people who still hang on are at a pay level originally desired by the corporation.

What strikes you as cruelty is a carefully designed deliberate plan.