Workplaces are constantly witnessing change and evolution. Workplace environments from our parents’ generation aren’t the same as our generation and will further change for the future generation. Employees and the trends we see in offices are constantly trying to improve on creating a productive and better environment.
We saw this in the change from ultra formal and rigid code of dressing in offices, giving way to the startups introducing semi-formal or even informal dressing. Now, in the latest round, apparently offices in the US and UK are asking their employees to ditch their shoes while at work.
This, better known as a “no-shoes policy,” is gaining traction in offices, startups, and tech companies, and it is believed to allow employees to be comfortable, thus enhancing their productivity and overall well-being.
What Is This “No-Shoes Policy”?
According to various reports in the past year, various companies in the United States (US) and the United Kingdom (UK) are embracing a ‘no shoe policy’ where employees are allowed to be barefoot inside the office.
Ben Lang, an employee from San Francisco-based AI company Cursor, brought this to attention in an X/Twitter post made in August 2025. Posting two pictures of a tall rack full of shoes and several covering the floor right beside the entry door, he wrote “Cursor office(s) in San Francisco.”
This post had owners of other companies, like Flowhub, a cannabis software company based in Denver, and SF-based language learning app, Speak, also chimed in on having similar policies at their office.
As per a Business Insider report, a spokesperson for Speak, confirming this, said, “employees get a slipper stipend when they join the team.”
Although completely bare feet is not always the case, many of these offices allow employees to take off their shoes and roam around in their socks or slippers, which can either be provided or brought by the individual from home.
Speaking with Fortune, Anita Williams Woolley, professor of organisational behaviour at Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School of Business, commenting on this trend said, “In an era when anxiety is reaching epidemic proportions, creating a space where employees can experience greater comfort can bring big advantages for creativity and innovation, as well as encouraging them to develop more meaningful relationships at work that foster cohesion and commitment.”
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In the UK as well, this trend has seen a rise in popularity.
Last year, Natalie James, the founder of the UK skincare startup, helloSKIN, introduced the policy in her own office.
Speaking with The Guardian, she explained, “Offices are, by their very nature, stressful environments,” adding, “If a little thing like taking off your shoes makes you feel more comfortable – and thus be more creative – then that’s a no-brainer. The rules for this policy in her office are: no bare feet, clean socks only (with no holes) and shoes must be worn in kitchens, bathrooms and outside.”
She also said that “There’s definitely been an increase in calmness, and with that comes better focus and more creativity.”
It’s essentially a way to break or redefine traditional office norms that would result in improved physical health, enhanced creativity, and a more relaxed, inclusive work atmosphere for employees.
Further, according to research by The Guardian, walking barefoot can reduce feelings of tension and anxiety, which may contribute to a more focused and engaged workforce.
Dr Laura Smith, a workplace psychologist interviewed by Vogue, said, “There’s something freeing about working without shoes.”
“It allows employees to feel more connected to the space and to their bodies, which can lead to improved focus and creativity. A relaxed atmosphere can also lower barriers between employees and help foster a more collaborative environment.”
Image Credits: Google Images
Sources: Firstpost, The Guardian, Business Insider
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This post is tagged under: Employees, Employee trend, workplace, workplace trends, office, Employees office, office trends, no shoe office, office no shoe policy, silicon valley, offices footwear, offices footwear free, office morale, employee comfort, focus, productivity
Disclaimer: We do not hold any rights or copyright over any of the images used; these have been taken from Google. In case of credits or removal, the owner may kindly email us.
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