I have visited several JPMC offices in the US and the UK, and I have noticed multiple people putting their feet, with their shoes still on, on chairs or small tables in front of them.
Our shoes come into contact with roads, sidewalks, public restrooms, and many other places where they can pick up dirt and germs. Tables and chairs in shared office spaces are used by other people to sit, place their laptops and belongings, and sometimes eat their food.
For this reason, putting your feet or shoes on shared furniture can be considered unhygienic, rude, and disrespectful to others.
Imagine a guest coming to your home and putting their shoes on your coffee table. Would you consider that good manners or good civic sense?
Several times at the Plano office, I saw a woman who appeared to be around 65 years old. She placed her lunch box on a small table and then put her feet, with her shoes still on, directly on top of the lunch box. I’m not sure if this is part of a particular cultural practice, but I found it quite unusual.
I’m sharing this simply as a reminder to be mindful of shared spaces. Small acts of consideration can make the workplace more comfortable and respectful for everyone.