banned from going barefoot at work

happenstance

I have thiroid problems and so I sweat a lot. Had boxtox injections for armpit s but not the same for my feet. I generally wear loose shoes that I slip off under my desk to stop me from sweating and smelling.

I've now been told that its unhygienic to do this so bare feet have been banned in the office. Very rarely do we get visitors and its not like anyone can see my feet unless they are really looking.

Has anyone else had any experience of this?

Personally I think there are many health benefits to going barefoot so I would like to do so while sat at desk.

TBagpuss

I think it is down to the individual employer.
It is very common for employers to have a dress code.

Could you perhaps get some sandals you could wear at work, which would allow some air circulation and cut down on the sweating, but mean you would not be barefoot?

Is it possible that you are currently sweating/smelling more than you realises and someone has objected on that basis?

lisa110rry

Have to say (depending on what you do of course) this sounds harsh.

Has a risk assessment been undertaken for this activity? (I'm not kidding, without a risk assessment how do they know that it's unhygenic? I assume you slip your shoes back on before standing up from your desk.)

I think the number of people who do not *properly* wash their hands after using the lavatory far outweighs any lack of hygiene from having bare feet under your desk!

In my own company, so long as I was properly dressed if we have clients/visitors, no one would turn a hair if I had no shoes on.

Now if I removed my blouse...

BoJangles_2

It sounds like one of your work colleagues have put in a complaint.

DKLS

Cant say I would be bothered, but have worked at many places this would be deemed inappropriate non wear and one old boss would be shouting about "flaming hippies and this is an office not a beach, have some standards woman"

Apollo26

I'm sitting at my desk now with bare feet. Will slip my shoes back on when I get up

CalumHeath

I'm an owner of a company and I (along with others) slip my shoes off at my desk when nobody's looking. I always have socks on.

Having said that, if I introduced a rule that said that wasn't allowed, I'd expect that rule to be followed without having to justify my decision to anyone.

Fireflyaway

My last work place banned flip flops for health and safety reasons! They were worried about people tripping on the stairs.

If you only do it under the desk I wouldn't say its an issue unless your feet smell and its bothering other people.

Can you wear flip flops? You can get some really nice smart ones and they let the air get to your feet.

PenguinOfDeath

Fireflyaway wrote: »

My last work place banned flip flops for health and safety reasons! They were worried about people tripping on the stairs.

Or stubbing their toes on a desk or cabinet and sueing the employer for incorrect placement of office furniture...

Gavin83

I went through a stage when I had office slippers! I'm sure as long as your discrete you'll be fine.

xHannahx

Kicking your shoes off under your desk nobody will know unless they are looking at your feet.
First thing I do at my desk is kick my shoes off each day!