Some people are already familiar with barefoot paths - but a barefoot town hall? There is now one in Germany and Rüdersdorf Town Hall is leading the way. Mayor Sabine Löser is proud of the certification by the "German Barefoot Institute" and hopes that many others will follow suit. She was approached with the idea by employees of the town hall when they were looking for projects for occupational health management. It didn't take long to convince the mayor.
The German Barefoot Institute is also enthusiastic. Its spokeswoman Henriette Hand says: "Walking barefoot is very healthy. It strengthens the muscles, counteracts back pain as well as athlete's foot and nail fungus and strengthens the immune system."
The municipal council has not yet been involved as this is a clear case of administrative responsibility. As a first step, the municipal building yard has created a barefoot path with various natural floor materials in the citizens' office. Mayor Löser is delighted: "This is not only beneficial for employees. For visitors to our town hall, the waiting time can be shortened and they can do something for their health at the same time.
The German Podiatry Association was also present at the acceptance ceremony. Its chairman Bodo Podolski is certain that it was worth it: "Walking barefoot is a booster for our immune system. Our feet are our connection to the earth and as a thank you, we not only step on them all day, but also lock them in dark, tight covers. What is being dared in Rüdersdorf is a revolution for the feet."
The next step is to convince the municipal council and submit an investment application for the installation of underfloor heating throughout the town hall. In future, employees will be able to leave their shoes in lockable lockers in the entrance area so that they can move around the building barefoot. Shoe lockers are also available for guests of the town hall. As long as you keep moving, your feet won't freeze. All employees are provided with woollen socks for their workplaces - in the interests of sustainability, volunteers are needed who can knit. For external appointments and in winter, it won't be possible to do without shoes in future either. "But there are very good alternatives here with barefoot shoes," adds Hand from the Barefoot Institute.
However, the project will not be limited to the town hall: "We are currently examining which branch offices are also suitable and will then include the remodelling in the next budget," says Löser. After-school care and daycare centres are already set.