The New York Times has just rolled out a fresh voice for workplace woes—meet Max Read, the publication’s new “Work Friend.” Taking over from Rachel Dry, Read steps into a role designed to tackle the sticky, awkward, and often unspoken dilemmas of modern office life.
Who Is the New Work Friend?
Max Read isn’t just another advice columnist. A self-described millennial with a résumé that zigzags from blogging at a digital media startup to clerking at a video store and freelancing as a content creator, Read brings a layered perspective to workplace dynamics. He’s also managed teams—giving him a rare glimpse into both sides of the boss-employee divide.
In his debut column published November 1, 2025, Read introduces himself with a mix of self-deprecation and sharp wit: “I’ll be here to answer questions too dangerous for your H.R. manager and too petty for your union rep.” And if you don’t have a union rep? “Well,” he quips, “I have a piece of advice for you already.”
What Kind of Problems Can Work Friend Solve?
Read’s beat covers the full spectrum of office absurdity and anxiety:
- Navigating tricky interoffice relationships
- Dealing with AI-driven workflow changes
- Handling passive-aggressive Slack messages
- Figuring out who’s responsible for that weird smell near the break room
- Deciding whether to report your boss’s questionable spreadsheet habits
He’s especially keen on stories about how artificial intelligence is reshaping the workplace—whether you’re being replaced by a bot, forced to collaborate with one, or pressured to praise its “efficiency” in performance reviews.
A Column for the Post-Union, AI-Infused Office
What sets “Work Friend” apart is its tone: part therapist, part strategist, part gossip confidant. Read explicitly invites readers to send in “uncut salacious gossip”—as long as it’s disguised as a legitimate question. This blend of practicality and playfulness speaks directly to a generation navigating hybrid work, quiet quitting, and algorithmic management.
His background in tech journalism—through his subscription newsletter Read Max, which explores how software shapes human behavior—positions him uniquely to dissect the digital transformation of work culture.
How to Reach the Work Friend
Employees with burning (or mildly smoldering) workplace questions can email Max directly at [email protected]. Submissions may be edited for clarity, anonymity, and dramatic effect—but the advice will be real, relatable, and refreshingly human.
