I don't like the loafers at all but it's difficult for me to be objective as I really dislike that style of shoe and very blocky heel. It doesn't matter how fashionable it might be, I'd never wear them.
What would you wear them with? Tailored non jeans trousers? I can't see how you could wear them with jeans other than wide legged ones.
I much prefer the Mary Janes although personally would prefer a lower heel.
Re heels and work, you haven't said what type of work, but office and hospitality these days absolutely no need to wear heels and few people do. In my office there's a small number who wear heels. I personally think they look good on them because they look as if they're being worn because these women just like heels- not because they have to or think they have to.
All my work shoes are flats from Pretty Ballerina ranging from very flat to a 4cm block heel. I know that's not helpful.
Here's a few shoes from Clarks which are 100% suitable for office wear. . If I were looking for a loafer I might consider this (one of the best dressed women in my office wears this type of loafer). No particular attachment to Clarks, just picked them as a high street brand.
Clarks loafer 1
Clarks Mary Janes
Clarks Mary Janes