The NYT Work Friend column tackles two workplace dilemmas. A library employee complains about a coworker who brushes and flosses at the break room sink, calling it "gross." The columnist acknowledges the cultural discomfort but notes there's nothing actually unhygienic—mouth bacteria don't survive long on dry surfaces, and toothpaste contains antimicrobials.

The columnist suggests the annoyed reader be direct but kind, framing it as personal discomfort rather than accusing the coworker of being inherently gross. The coworker likely doesn't realize it's off-putting, so a simple "I get skeeved out at the sight of flossing—would you mind doing it in the bathroom?" could resolve it.

A nonprofit employee being considered for promotion asks if they should minimize their raise since they don't need the money while colleagues with families struggle. The columnist strongly advises against this, arguing that refusing a raise sets a lower salary floor that hurts future employees in similar roles. Taking the money and redistributing it directly to colleagues or causes would be more effective than symbolic self-denial.