I'm arguing treating "custodial staff" as some distinct group that deserves special treatment, in deep need of your smiles and door holding is condescending. The tone of the original article and this reply came across like the authors think they're somehow above the "custodial staff". Like they are lords talking about the peasantry.
I chat with/hold doors for everyone I encounter. I said custodial staff here because that was the thesis of the original article. No one's "in need of it" in any sense other than most people benefit from social interaction and being acknowledged.