"I recommend that employers pay workers well and fairly and then do everything possible to help them forget about money. A preoccupation with money distracts everyone -- employers and employees -- from the issues that really matter."

I think this is the takeaway.

In my workplace, we have "peer bonuses". They're small-ish rewards (post-tax, it'll get you a dinner at a decent place) that some co-worker nominates you for when you go beyond duty to help them. These bonuses are unexpected and small, so there's no competition or motivation-ruining.