US tech companies allow employees to wear slippers in offices

Practice introduced as it reduces mental stress by creating a “at-home” feeling

New York (USA) – Technology and AI companies in the United States have introduced a new practice described as “No Shoes in the Office,” meaning it is acceptable not to wear shoes at the workplace. From the AI company “Cursor” to several new technology firms in New York, many organisations have adopted this policy. Employees remove their shoes outside and work inside the office wearing socks or slippers. It is claimed that this makes employees feel as if they are at home, reduces their stress, and increases a sense of comfort and trust.

1. Sneha Sivakumar, co-founder and CEO of the AI company “Spur,” said that this policy makes employees feel that the office is like their second home. “For me, removing shoes is not just about comfort but also a sign of respect, as it is in Indian households and temples,” she said.

2. Stanford University economist Nick Bloom stated that habits from home are entering the workplace. He said this aligns with Silicon Valley’s 9-9-6 culture (working from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week).

3. Nick Bloom also claimed that young people are responding appropriately to the growing use of artificial intelligence. This kind of work culture may attract investors and customers. However, he noted that adopting this practice across all offices is difficult. Companies are embracing this trend citing mental stress as the reason.

Editorial Perspective

Today, technology companies are running the world through their advanced computational systems (software). Yet, their intelligent employees continue to suffer from stress and pressure. Instead of addressing this deeply, such organisations are adopting superficial solutions. They should realise that truly addressing this issue requires embracing Indian spiritual traditions and practices.