Gone are the Old Guard and their tyranny of iron-fisted management over the inferior and replaceable wage-donkeys. At least, that is how trends have moved in the new millennium. Employees are an integral part of any business. Without them, the bosses and managers would have to do all the work. Especially with younger employees, the need to be heard or acknowledged is a powerful one. Catering to them is more than just another chore to be managed; it could also vastly improve a business.

In the current workplace culture, employees who feel that their opinions and ideas are unheard or ignored express great dislike and frustration with their jobs. You strive to hire the best and brightest, so listen to them, even if it's out of their job description. Employees are in the trenches and see exactly how your company runs. As a result, their suggestions are very valuable. You can receive priceless information about your business while improving morale at the same time.

What to do about employee input? Carmine Gallo of BusinessWeek.com has a few suggestions on improving workplace communication. The first step is to ask for their opinions and provide a solid process for their words to get to you. Next, create an employee information feedback loop. They've given you their opinion and you have integrated their ideas in the master plan. Let them know what you have done. They may have other ideas, a better solution, or spot a flaw.

Communicate company status and change to your workforce. Keeping your people informed not only provides a connection, but also allows them to feel a part of the company as a whole. Finally, communicate personally with your employees. Gallo's main suggestion is reach out to them in almost any other form than email. Walk down the hallway to speak with them or call them up. To reach the masses, rely on a blog where they can know what is going on and leave their comments.