Recognition becomes less useful when it replaces the support that would sustain contribution.

Thanks and resources are not interchangeable, though budgets often treat them as such. A certificate, a mention in a newsletter, a pizza on a Friday: these are pleasant, and none of them reduce the workload that is wearing somebody out. Recognition used as a substitute for staffing, equipment or time eventually reads as an insult, because it shows that the problem was seen and not addressed.

If you are in a position to give either, ask the person which they would rather have. If you are the one being thanked, it is reasonable to say what would actually help. Gratitude and support work best together and poorly as alternatives.