How is doing something like re-writing a system in your off hours making your co-workers miserable? I mean sure, if you then proceed to bug your boss every day to adopt the new system after he carefully reviewed it and rejected it, I'm with you.

And she lists several "harmful" practices like this.

In short, taking initiative? Nope, we don't like that here in corporate America. Doing what you're told and minimize risk. Don't actually try to make us money or anything.