The hygiene meter kind of stinks

[Glamurio]

Food also works because it is abundant and easy to obtain. There's like 10 vending machines on every station and additionally, oftentimes food such as donuts is just lying about. We have a dedicated area that is publicly accessible (the kitchen) that is dedicated to making food. Throw in botany as well.

I would argue that why food does not work to facilitate RP. You go 4 tiles out of your department, take some fries out of the vendor, and go back into the department.

The food motive has not got you out of your department for a prolonged time, it has not disrupted you, it failed at it's most basic task.

To prevent the same for hygiene, the 50% cap on hand-washing was added.

And I would disagree. Food is an amazing RP tool, you can go and meet people at the bar when you grab a drink, or check out whatever cool dishes are on offer at the kitchen, it gives the chef a reason to try, the bartender a reason to listen. It doesn't force you, mind you, it's not like you have to RP, that's why the vendors exist. But once every so often, you have a nice bit of RP interaction from grabbing a coffee or otherwise.

Hygiene doesn't work that way. You don't go showering with co-workers. The pool might work, but that has other concerns which is why I'd rather not see that aspect explored. Hygiene, outside from smelling, which I bring up to every single person, always, forever, is purely personal. That's why it fails to lead to any meaningful RP. It's not an RP activity. But it could be one. With the power of laundromats.