Good employees should be recognised by employers to boost morale and encourage other. Keeping good employees who know the place and all the history is good for business. That’s what’s in it for the employee. Other than just being nice to someone who’s been in your life for so long.

I agree that attendance isn’t necessarily good and shouldn’t be rewarded. He likely came in sick and employees without a healthy work/leisure balance are less productive so it’s not a good example to set either.