I think that's an overly cynical view. While employees exist ultimately to serve the company's goal, good companies will also work to support the employee's goals in return (e.g. time away from work, time to develop skills, general happiness, etc.).

Yeah, but for some reason tech people seem to think they're the only cogs that matter.

They really thought companies were going to move heaven and earth just to make their personal comfort and convenience a priority.