It is a shame the boss is not closer to his people.  Being in touch with your team and workforce go a long way in business.  The respect should go up the ladder as well as down.  Well, this is going to be a new year.  Maybe this is a behavior you can help him with.  I helped my boss a few years ago become closer to his people.  His previous assistant had created a personna and drove a wedge creating him as untouchable, unapproachable, and noncommunicative to his team.  However, once I got into the role, I changed that perception.  We have regularily scheduled potluck lunches I make sure his schedule will allow.  I even block a little more time so he can visit with the team and not be rushed to the next meeting.  I even began scheduling 30 min. to an hour blocks of time deliberately left open so he can get out on the floor, talk to folks, or just catch up on whatever he needs to carch up on.  He never had this before and h. appreciates this too, It has changed the atmosphere in the office.