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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To want my work team to wear shoes in the office

95 replies

reddaisy · 14/10/2010 20:37

I manage a team and work in a large, open plan office. Today a member of staff came to talk to me wearing just socks (and clothes thankfully).

I told him to go back to his desk and come back with his shoes on. He seemed shocked and asked me if I was joking and that he was "trying to relax."

I replied: "You aren't here to relax, you are at work so put your shoes on."

This is the second time I have spoken to him about this, the first time I did it in a more casual manner but he seemed genuinely surprised that I cared whether he had his shoes on.

The dress code is usual suits, shirt and tie for men and smart office for women.

So, AIBU?

OP posts:
BelligerentGhoul · 14/10/2010 22:03

Ooh Tethers - just because you have a smart new Halloween name, doesn't mean to have to BE evil too! :)

amothersplaceisinthewrong · 14/10/2010 22:07

I think YANBU, as it sounds like quite a formal office, which presumably the guy knew when he started work there.

That said, my DH does has one client (IT) who he does training courses for from time to time and they, being IT geeky types, go round with no socks OR shoes on.....

Original poster
reddaisy · 14/10/2010 22:11

TethHearseEnd I think I love you. But surely drawing pins would be better?!

OP posts:
TethHearseEnd · 14/10/2010 22:11

I love shoes, BG. It makes me sad that they are not being used enough.

BelligerentGhoul · 14/10/2010 22:13

My red ones look very cute kicked off in the corner - they add to the ambience of the room! :)

TethHearseEnd · 14/10/2010 22:15
onagar · 14/10/2010 23:23

'not professional' is meaningless. So is 'against the dress code' unless someone can come up with an actual reason why not wearing shoes affects the work.

If the only reason is "because I don't like it" then say that.

beenaghostlately · 14/10/2010 23:35

Yes, dress codes are based on a reason e.g. to create confidence in your clients (and so the dress code depends on the kind of clients you want to impress - some may not feel comfortable with smart and formal).

On the other hand, surely employees are made aware of the dress code when they are hired and presumably have agreed to it. Perhaps the wearing of shoes was not specifically highlighted in this case.

GeekyGirl · 14/10/2010 23:38

OP, I'm afraid I think YABVU and I'm glad I don't work for you. I'm interested that some people don't seem to like the idea that employees might be too relaxed - in my experience relaxed staff are far more productive. Life's too short to worry about trivial rules.

LookToWindward · 14/10/2010 23:47

Unless there is a solid H&S reason why footwear is a requirement (i.e. his role involves handling heavy equipment etc) or unless he's in a client facing role then YABU.

Choice of footwear (or lack there-of) does not relate to ability to perform a job.

Purplebuns · 15/10/2010 00:00

Amothersplace I think you have a point, I read to the end of this thread just to say that DH's boss wanders around barefoot or at best in Birkenstocks in the summer... It is a IT company so it must be something to do with geeks Wink

magicmummy1 · 15/10/2010 00:52

yanbu

But as a manager, I think you have to pick your battles wisely, and personally, this isn't one that I'd choose to fight.

ForMashGetSmash · 15/10/2010 00:55

YANBU! It's weird! Also rude...feet are gross and I don't want to see someone in their socks at work!

beenaghostlately · 15/10/2010 01:04

OP does he deal with clients?

And

Are his feet smelly?

If the answer to both questions is yes, then he needs to put his shoes on.

Otherwise. like magicmuumy says, not worth fighting this battle, especially if the rest of his work is good. If he persists in not wearing them, you don't want to get to the point where it becomes a disciplinary issue because you can't back down.

BrainMash · 15/10/2010 07:36

At least he had socks on. One of the teaching assistants at DD's school was walking around the school bare foot in the summer Hmm

I think someone had a word in the end.

magicmummy1 · 15/10/2010 07:40

yanbu

But as a manager, I think you have to pick your battles wisely, and personally, this isn't one that I'd choose to fight.

Gorionine · 15/10/2010 07:43

I think YAB a bit U but there is place for complromise. Would it bother you if he was not wearing shoes when sitting at his desk but wearing shoes wnen coming to talk to you?

beenaghostlately · 15/10/2010 07:44

Agreed with you when you said it at 00:52:58.

Still agree with you.

RockBat · 15/10/2010 15:47

Sorry reddaisy, you didn't mention odors and I don't think you mentioned him being incompetent, it was others jumping to conclusions! I haven't read the rest of the thread so they may have been proved right... :o

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