Creating a Shoes Off Culture

If you drop by our studio, you’ll notice a neat rack with shoes stacked on. We have a no shoes policy in the studio. If you’re a visitor, you’ll notice the team walking around barefoot or in socks and you’ll likely be encouraged to leave your pretty sandals or smart trainers by the door too.

Why do we do this?

Well, two big reasons.

#1 Respecting our Heritage

Growing up in Singapore, Hong Kong, India or Japan has meant that we’re accustomed to taking our shoes off when we enter the house. The idea being not to bring the outside dirt in. It’s a small but simple way to keep our inner world pristine (well, at least cleaner) and in a sense protect our own space from the world outside. It is important to us that this studio feels like home, a safe and cherished space for our team. We manage the facilities ourselves — from washing dishes to taking out the trash. We take responsibility for keeping ourselves, and our many plants happy, healthy and clean. And taking our shoes off when we enter is the first step towards treating the studio as the place we thrive in.

#2 The Unexpected Equaliser

Perhaps more importantly — taking shoes off strips away a layer and leaves the individuals intact. It sets the stage for equality — a space of common endeavour and collaboration. We are united in our purpose and our white trainer socks. Some structure is definitely important when it comes to running a happy, productive studio and our work often requires us to push against the barriers of time, cost and feasibility. To always be dancing despite these constraints is an important philosophy — and a simple way to ensure we are united in our mission is to construct micro rituals that bring the team together.

Every morning, upon entering the space, the shoes come off and the creative thinking comes on — signalling we are ready to take on the day. How do you and your team own your space?