Sock it to the shoes: why more offices are going footwear-free

"Slippers, socks and the occasional novelty toe warmer are fast becoming part of the office dress code for startups hoping to ease stress and boost creativity. It might sound like a gimmick conjured up during a yoga retreat, but asking staff to leave their shoes at the door taps into something more serious: how to make the workplace feel a little less like work. With record levels of work-related stress in the UK, rising burnout and a labour force increasingly focused on wellbeing over salary, even small changes can have a surprising impact."

"Natalie James, the founder of the skincare startup, helloSKIN, introduced a sock-only policy at her UK office last year. Offices are, by their very nature, stressful environments, she said. 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. James has rules: no bare feet, clean socks only (with no holes) and shoes must be worn in kitchens, bathrooms and outside. She says the effects have been surprisingly powerful: There's definitely been an increase in calmness, and with that comes better focus and more creativity."

Startups are introducing slippers, socks and no-shoes policies to make offices feel less like work and to ease stress. Record work-related stress, rising burnout and increased worker focus on wellbeing are driving small workplace changes that can have measurable effects. Companies inspired by Silicon Valley report improved focus, comfort and staff morale from footwear-free floors. Some founders impose rules such as no bare feet, clean socks only and mandatory shoes in kitchens, bathrooms and outdoors. Reported outcomes include increased calmness, better focus and more creativity, and shoeless options can offer important sensory benefits for neurodiverse employees.

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