R1 Makes Fast Company’s Eighth Annual List of the Best Workplaces for Innovators in Biotech, Healthcare and Life Sciences

Recognized for building a culture where healthcare expertise, AI innovation and technology come together to solve complex revenue cycle challenges

CHICAGO, Sept. 08, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fast Company today announced its eighth annual Best Workplaces for Innovators list, recognizing businesses that are creating cultures where innovation can thrive at every level. R1 (“R1” or the “Company”), an industry leader in healthcare revenue management, was named a winner on the Best Workplaces for Innovators in the Biotech, Healthcare and Life Sciences category for its innovative approach to transforming healthcare financial performance through AI solutions and comprehensive automation.

The 2026 Best Workplaces for Innovators list recognizes 100 companies across industries such as entertainment, biotech, consumer packaged goods, marketing, education, and healthcare. To be considered, applicants detailed their investment in innovation, internal programs, and company culture. Fast Company’s editors evaluated each application and conducted extensive research to develop a score for each company. A distinguished panel of judges then reviewed the top-rated companies to determine the final honorees.

“At R1, innovation is powered by the expertise of our people and our relentless focus on solving healthcare’s most complex revenue cycle challenges,” said Lashana Jackson, EVP and Chief Human Resources Officer at R1. “This recognition by Fast Company reflects the strength of our people, our technology and the culture we’ve built, one that empowers teams to turn bold ideas into measurable impact for providers and patients alike. Our ability to drive transformation comes from deep industry expertise and a simple belief that you must know the system to change it.”

Innovation at R1 extends beyond technology to how the Company develops solutions that address some of healthcare's most complex operational challenges. At the center of that innovation is Phare OS, healthcare’s first revenue operating system, which embeds intelligence directly into workflows, decisions, and operations. R1 is also advancing innovation through R37, its AI innovation lab, where revenue cycle experts work alongside technologists and customers to develop solutions grounded in real-world healthcare challenges. These efforts are helping reshape how healthcare revenue cycle work gets done and advancing AI-driven innovation in healthcare revenue management.

“The most innovative workplaces don’t simply ask their employees to come up with great ideas; they create the conditions that make great ideas possible,” said Brendan Vaughan, editor-in-chief of Fast Company. “This year’s honorees understand that innovation is ultimately a cultural commitment that requires empowering people to think differently, take risks, and turn ideas into actions. We’re proud to recognize the companies and executives who are leading by example.”

The full list of honorees is available at https://www.fastcompany.com/best-workplaces-for-innovators/list.

The Fast Company Best Workplaces for Innovators issue (Fall 2026) is available online now and will hit newsstands on September 22.

About R1
R1 is a leader in healthcare revenue management, helping providers achieve new levels of performance through smart orchestration. A pioneer in the industry, R1 created the first Healthcare Revenue Operating System: a modular, intelligent platform that integrates automation, AI, and human expertise to strengthen the entire revenue cycle. With more than 20 years of experience, R1 partners with 1,000 providers, including 95 of the top 100 U.S. health systems, and handles over 600 million payer transactions annually. This scale provides unmatched operational insight to help healthcare organizations unlock greater long-term value. To learn more, visit r1rcm.com.

About Fast Company
Fast Company is the only media brand fully dedicated to the vital intersection of business, innovation, and design, engaging the most influential leaders, companies, and thinkers on the future of business. Headquartered in New York City, Fast Company is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with fellow business publication Inc. For more information, please visit fastcompany.com.

Contacts

R1
Mike Gilhooly
Director of Public Relations and Communications
media@r1rcm.com