Incentive programs are like any basic tool. If used properly, they are largely beneficial to the user. However, if not used properly or aren't aligned with your company goals, they can do more harm than good. In your home, a hammer is an excellent tool if there is a clear goal in place (i.e. nailing a picture frame up to a wall). However, if you give someone a hammer and tell them to use it without any real objective or goal, potentially bad and unintended results could occur.