I'd say continuous pay. If it's your job and you're good enough to keep it, your continuous pay check is just the agreed upon exchange for doing said work. If you're not good enough, then that pay stops (or you're promoted to management). If you do something above and beyond expected for job, then bonuses are what is used to reward. Sure, some peer recognition or other non-monetary award might be appropriate for certain things, but if it is something that allows new income to company, saves company significant time/money, etc, then cash is king!