I'm not sure recognition should be given fairly and justly. Is one person doing more than the other? One employee may be more motivated and hard working than the others. Why should they all be given special recognition for doing sub-standard work? This is an odd question. Where I work, the best employees are given recognition and the slugs are not. I think you need to earn recognition as a good employee; it should not be handed to you if you do not deserve it. Recognition can be in the form of praise, a small bonus, or even a pay raise.