Minimal Wage, Minimal Motivation

I don't believe enough motivation exists for minimum-wage (and other similarly low-wage) employees in most workplaces, because their work ethic goes largely unnoticed. What's convincing a diligent worker to stay if they don't receive appropriate recognition for their work? Without verbal appreciation or ample financial incentives, what visibly separates the slackers from the hustlers? Moreover, in many cases, hard-working individuals receive a disproportionate amount of criticism.

What's the purpose in being the company's most passionate, productive, and meticulous workhorse to date, if I am still confronted with the most reprimand?