General Electric Smoking Cessation Program Success

General Electric Smoking Cessation Program

General Electric paid employees who were smokers up to $750 to quit and stay off cigarettes. This program was three times as successful as a different GE "quit smoking" program in which employees received no paid incentives. The $750 in the first program is an example of an intrinsic reward.

Smoking Cessation Program Success

The smoking cessation program implemented by General Electric proved to be highly successful. The monetary incentive provided to employees who quit smoking resulted in a significantly higher success rate compared to a program without incentives.

Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Reward

Contrary to popular belief, the $750 reward offered to employees for quitting smoking is actually considered an extrinsic reward, not an intrinsic reward. An extrinsic reward is tangible and can be seen, touched, or physically felt. Intrinsic rewards, on the other hand, are intangible and include factors such as job satisfaction, personal growth, and a sense of accomplishment.