employees are not children

Employees are not children so don't treat them like they are and they will be much more productive, and happy.  This is something that has very much been on my mind lately for several reasons that I won't go into.  The eWeek article below looks at how 37Signals goes about getting things done in what appears to me to be a pretty efficient and people friendly way.  http://www.eweek.com/c/a/IT-Management/37Signals-Breaks-Free-of-Rigid-Work-Culture-464279/?kc=EWKNLCSM11102009STR1

Why is it that so many companies think they need to be parents to their employees?  Instructing employees on what to do, where to do it and when to do it.  Some even going to the level of creating events to *reward* casual dress days.  If you treat your knowledge workers with respect and trust you don't need to be parents or the benevolent master.