Mike - A friend just shared your article with me, and I love it!  I could not agree with you more.  What Mr. Cloutier said completely contradicts research my firm just published in conjunction with Cornell University.  I can send you details directly if you are interested, but for now, you should check out this link: http://www.hreonline.com/HRE/story.jsp?storyId=475354765  It does pay to treat people well - literally!