How people want reward at work
Let's say you nailed a huge project at work. Your company wants to reward you. Aside from $$$, the next best (realistic] reward is What do you want?
Hero of Labor medal like the Russians used to give out in the cold war to the best workers. I've always secretly wanted a company to give me one
Time off
Real recognization from higher level management in a company wide or org wide distribution/all-hands, where the person who did the work is able to articulate the value to the overall business.
Aside from $$$ I’ll also accept €€€, £££, and, ¥¥¥.
^ this guy gets it
Gold or stock or both.
Direct reports or a written timeline for promotion with actionable milestones
$$$$ or better still, $$$$$$
Besides $$$ (or similar to $$$ gift cards) I think extra days off would be the best. Example that really happened : couple of days off after a big release.
$$$.