Hahah, you must be in management.

I still reckon most managers underestimate in their workers ability and often treat most like damb arses.
Most workers will only do what they get paid to do and in this scenario they are not paid to think and develop ideas.
Talking to your staff and seeking feedback will get you amazing results. I see this in my workplace everyday.

Anyway, this is a classic example of workers using initiative when something directly affects them. He might have also thought of this idea if he was asked and propositioned a $500 bonus.
Would have saved the company a motza...LOL