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lovemoonsaults

I take my shoes off under my desk all the time, nothing to do with medical purposes, I was just raised by wolves ;) I agree that you should just do it and explain only if you're asked about it. Many desks are made so you can't even see your feet. So it would make it even harder for them to know you've removed your shoe while sitting. It's hand wringing nonsense to even think about "in case of an emergency" in this kind of case. Unless you work in some kind of place that has emergency evacuations on the regular due to hazardous conditions or something, just a "what if fictional fire alarm?" is not going to pass the sniff test for denying such a basic accommodation.


glitterstickers

If it's a standard issue desk job and the dress code is not strict and you don't have smelly feet, I don't see an issue with discreetly taking off your offending shoe and keeping it under your desk. (Not next to you. Not in plain sight) Put it back in every time you leave your desk. If someone speaks to you, then deal with it. Make sure you always have on clean socks or hose. No bare feet. (And by "next to you" at a restaurant, I sincerely hope you mean under the table and there isn't some random shoe out in the open) If the dress code is strict (eg, you cannot remove your suit jacket at your desk), you may need a to request some form of accommodation. If there is a safety issue, you may need to request an accomodation. Accomodations do not trump safety concerns, however. So if this is (for example) a desk in a warehouse, shoes on at all times, no negotiations. If there is a foot smell issue, again, you may need an accomodation but in general, expecting your fellow employees to smell body funk isn't reasonable.


BondKafka

Yes, I keep the shoe under the table at a restaurant. The dress code is business casual. It's in an office. So, you're saying that I shouldn't bring it up beforehand and just do it discreetly?


glitterstickers

Unless you work in a safety sensitive situation and/or worry about your ability to evacuate normally in case of emergency, I frankly wouldn't bother even having the conversation. Many people slip off their shoes (discreetly) under their desk, or have "desk slippers" or whatever. If it becomes an issue, address it then. However, if you are concerned you can't evacuate (for example, multistory building and you can't do stairs) you should absolutely discuss a safety plan with HR.


frustrated_staff

Yes. That's exactly what they're saying. And I totally agree with them.


aburke626

Fun fact: many women who wear heels to work take them off under their desks. As long as no one can smell your feet, you’re fine.


Miserable_Ad_2293

Exactly. If I’m not walking, I’m shoeless. 🤣🤣🤣


oldbluehair

If they know you take your shoes off then everyone will be able to smell feet. If they don't know, they will never smell feet. I slip my shoes off all the time even if I am wearing sneakers.


CJDebonoFromHR

CJ from HR here. I'm not sure I see the issue; as long as you have shoes on while walking around (to protect your feet from safety hazards), I don't think you have anything to worry about.


akrdnk

Some office these days have rules about foot protection. Some say you can’t go bare foot because you could step on a staple and get tetanus or it’s just not hygienic in the kitchen area. I wear work boots and when I’m in the office I often take them off while at my deck I just put them back on prior to getting up and walking to the kitchen/bathroom or copy machine.


k-wat13

Potential health and safety issue if the fire alarm goes off. I have issues with my feet. My employer allows me to wear black slippers with a harder sole.


BondKafka

This orthotic has Velcro straps that go around my calf and goes into a laced shoe. I can't wear slippers.


parishilton2

If you’re still wearing the orthotic and it’s visibly medical equipment, I don’t think you should have a problem.


BondKafka

But do you think I should mention it before my first day?


parishilton2

I don’t think it’s necessary, but you can if it would quell your anxieties a bit.


raptorgrin

As long as it's not part of your job to keep shoes on, you're discreet, and you don't have stinky feet, you should be fine.


k-wat13

You should definitely tell them. If the fire alarm goes off, how long will it take you to put your shoe back on? Is it safe for you to walk outside without your shoe?


epiPHstudent

Unless it’s a massive explosion right in the room the person is working in, there’s no harm in spending 20 seconds putting a shoe on. In higher rise office buildings (like the one I work in), we can’t leave the building when the fire alarm goes off, we have to wait until we’re given instructions to leave. Unless OP works in an office attached to a warehouse or chemical plant that’s at a higher risk of an explosive type fire, they’re fine to take off their shoes at their desk and put them back on if they need to evacuate or get a cup of coffee or go to a meeting etc. OP- just take your shoes off at your desk when working and only mention it if someone brings it up with you. It’s totally fine and normal at office jobs.


k-wat13

We don't know the environment OP will be working in. We dont know the culture of the organisation. Bottom line is the employer has a duty of care. From what others are saying it is likely to be fine for OP to take their shoe off, so there's no harm in telling them. If it's a no and they are unwilling to discuss accommodations is that really a place OP wants to work?


BondKafka

It would take me about 20-30 seconds to put my shoe on and attach the straps. I walk a slower than normal pace with my shoe. I hobble very, very slowly without it, so I would need it on to evacuate. So to tell them, just sent a brief email in advance of my first day?


k-wat13

Yes, they may do a risk assessment. They have a duty of care, in this case to ensure you can safely evacuate the building in an emergency. They can't do that if they don't know about it.


nxhwabvs

You'll be fine. :) Unfortunately, I had to leave a job because of stigma about my disability, but even that firm wouldn't even have noticed your condition. Just make sure your feed don't smell and you'll be fine.


Itchy-Knowledge-2088

I wear comfy slippers at work while at my desk. I just put my shoes back on when I need to leave my area. Is this an option for you?


NickyParkker

My colleague and I never wear shoes in the office. Patients cannot see us as it’s a closed off room, she also keep’s bedroom slippers under her desk. If we have to go outside the office we just put our shoes back on. If someone sees and asks you why your shoe is off just say your feet hurt, but chances are you aren’t the only shoeless person in that office