'I’m not sure if this is EVER ok?' Gross office habit sparks online debate

"I have noticed there are some still treating it as if they were at home," the person shared. Are you grossed out by it too? 

If anything positive came from the global pandemic in 2020, it was the fact that many Aussies were able to continue working from home well after COVID cases calmed down. 

Now, fast forward to 2024, and with many workplaces returning to 'normal' work days in the office, it appears as though some people are struggling to shift some of their WFH habits. 

And it's bothering their co-workers... a lot. 

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The common home habit that's creeping into the office

A Reddit user took to the social media platform to ask a question that has been irking them since time working in the office has increased. 

"As working in the office becoming more common, I have noticed there are some still treating it as if they were at home," the person shared in the 'onemorequestion' thread.

"Big 4 here and I cannot believe there are a few that think it’s OK to take their shoes off in the office and walk around in socks. Am I just out of touch?"

The post received over 300 comments, proving the topic of office etiquette is one worth debating. 

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Is it ever OK to take your shoes off at work? Image: iStock

Stop. You can't do that here!

Many of the comments came from people who were equally disgusted by the thought of someone removing their shoes in an office environment. 

"I work at a super chill office and this would still be a big (and weird) no," one person insisted. 

"That is f**king feral... let's hope this doesn't become a thing," another person added. 

And another chimed in with even greater concerns: "The answer is no and any reputable company would have a HR/ WHS team who would not allow this to occur. Maybe it's harmless from a safety standpoint but it's pretty poor manners."

Meanwhile, some people really didn't see a problem with it, with some highlighting how this habit is perfectly acceptable in Asian countries. 

"At your desk? Fine. Just put them back on if you have to go anywhere. Even if it’s 5m away. If your feet are out of sight they’re out of mind," said one. 

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And others said they could tolerate it as long as people were aware of their own foot odour. 

"I don't give one single f*ck what people do or don't wear on their feet. The issue is whether or not the feet smell rancid," one person slammed. 

"Not acceptable, in my experience the people that do it are oblivious to their own foot odour too," someone else added. 

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The Kidspot team weighs in 

Now, before I choose to kick off my sneakers and call it 'acceptable', I decided to put the question to my friendly Kidspot colleagues. 

For Lifestyle Reporter, Cassidy, it was a hard no. 

"I'm not a fan at all. I think it's great that it indicates someone is comfortable at their workplace, however there is definitely such a thing as being too comfortable, and this is taking it wayyyy too far. Sorry, I don't want to see anyone's bare feet, ever," she warns. 

Video Editor, Clara, said she was more concerned for the barefooted worker from a hygienic point of view. 

"I just don’t think it’s very hygienic - your shoes are constantly picking up dirt and germs, and you’re resting them in the same place your feet go. Studies show our shoes carry bacteria and germs, even traces of feces on the soles. Why would you want to put your socks or bare feet there (even if you do have socks on)?" she shares. 

Parenting Editor, Nama, said she would also be grossed out by it but would be a bit more forward with her thoughts if she ever did see it happen. 

"I would say what's that smell? Can you smell that? I'm gonna be sick. Then pretend to vomit in my mouth. But seriously, in the office - have some respect," she insists. 

Well, that's that then. Emails are to be tackled with shoes on at all times! Got it?

Originally published as 'I’m not sure if this is EVER ok?' Gross office habit sparks online debate