Pelago Named to Fast Company’s Sixth Annual List of the 100 Best Workplaces for Innovators

(NEW YORK – September 12, 2024) – Pelago, the leading digital clinic partner to U.S. businesses and health plans for substance use management, today announced its #73 ranking on Fast Company’s sixth annual list of the 100 Best Workplaces for Innovators. The annual ranking honors organizations and businesses that demonstrate an inspiring commitment to encourage and develop innovation at all levels. 

Pelago creates a safe space for experimentation and iteration, without the barriers of traditional hierarchy. The company empowers employees across departments and teams to focus on our members’ needs and deliver the most effective digital substance use management program in the nation.

“Innovation is at the heart of everything we do at Pelago, and this national recognition honors the incredible work Pelagonians do to further our mission to break down barriers to substance use care that works and create meaningful, positive change for our members,” said Yusuf Sherwani, M.D., Pelago CEO and Co-Founder. “When Pelago employees describe our culture, it is clear that we operate at the intersection of innovative and expeditious. Every Pelagonian is a captain of their space, empowered to make decisions, drive strategy, experiment, voice ideas, and contribute directly to company goals.” 

60 million working Americans — roughly 35% of the workforce — experience personal or family problems related to substance or alcohol use, yet less than 1% of those who need care successfully receive and complete substance use treatment. Research shows that nearly 60% of the failure to receive and complete treatment is due to efficiency and effectiveness barriers, including delays to appointment, treatment mismatch and fluctuating motivation. 

The 2024 Best Workplaces for Innovators list ranks 100 winners from a variety of industries. To earn Best Workplaces for Innovators recognition, all of this year’s winners completed an application that addressed questions about projects, investment, company-wide programs and workplace culture. Fast Company editors evaluated every application and conducted additional research to generate a score for each company. A separate judging panel then reviewed the top 125 companies to reach a consensus on the overall winner. Applications for specific categories were judged solely by Fast Company editors. 

“Innovation is a global priority that cuts across all industries, and this year’s list reflects that diversity,” said Brendan Vaughan, editor in chief of Fast Company. “The top ten features four companies headquartered outside of the U.S. and includes representatives from technology, advertising, finance, biotech, pharmaceuticals, ecommerce and the nonprofit sectors.” 

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 our sister publication Inc., and can be found online at www.fastcompany.com.