Global consulting firm honored for embedding innovation, AI training and employee-driven problem-solving into the workplace experience
MENLO PARK, Calif., Sept. 9, 2026 /CNW/ — Global consulting firm Protiviti has been named to Fast Company‘s Best Workplaces for Innovators in North America 2026 list, underscoring the firm’s commitment to making innovation a practical, employee-driven part of how people learn, collaborate and deliver value for clients.
This recognition reflects Protiviti’s investment in a workplace culture that helps employees turn promising ideas into scalable solutions, better ways of working and measurable business impact. Across the firm, employees have access to structured programs, innovation communities, advanced artificial intelligence tools, generative AI training, design thinking resources and opportunities to submit, test and advance new ideas.
Key elements of Protiviti’s innovation culture include:
- Innovation training and AI enablement: All employees firmwide participate in a core innovation curriculum including design thinking, agile principles and experiential learning as well as generative AI training.
- Employee-led ideas: Team members submit use cases, join internal innovation challenges and contribute to global communities focused on improving business processes and client outcomes.
- Innovation ambassadors: Employee ambassadors support the exchange of ideas across geographies, roles and teams.
- Patent development: Protiviti’s global patent program advances practical innovations focused on solving business challenges and rewards the colleagues who have earned the patents.
- Client-focused experimentation: The firm evaluates employee-submitted concepts and advances those with potential to improve processes, delivery and client value.
One example is Protiviti’s second U.S. patent, “Systems and Methods for Automated Data Set Matching Services,” an AI and machine learning solution designed to streamline high-volume questionnaire response processes. The patented technology helps reduce manual effort, improve consistency and allow teams to focus their efforts on higher-value review and client-focused work.
“We are honored and excited to return to the Fast Company list as one of the Best Workplaces for Innovators in North America after three straight years on the list from 2022-2024. At Protiviti, innovation is one of our core values and is integral to facilitating how we help our clients solve increasingly complex business problems,” said Cory Gunderson, Protiviti’s chief operating officer and executive vice president, global solutions. “Our clients need creative solutions leveraging today’s technology that create confidence and drive momentum. By encouraging our people to think differently and providing the support to translate ideas into better ways of working, we strengthen how we deliver for our clients while providing exciting growth opportunities for our employees.”
“We want innovation to feel accessible, purposeful and relevant to every employee, regardless of role, level or geography,” said Ashley Cuevas, Protiviti’s global innovation leader. “That means creating space for people to ask sharper questions, experiment with purpose and bring forward ideas that improve the way we work. When employees feel equipped to contribute, innovation becomes more than a program. It becomes a shared behavior that helps us create smarter solutions and better client experiences.”
More than 1,000 submissions for the 2026 Best Workplaces for Innovators list were evaluated by a team of Fast Company editors and reporters. Finalists were then reviewed by a panel of judges comprised of editors, business leaders and other innovators to determine rankings.
In 2026, Protiviti also has been named to Forbes’ America’s Best Midsize Employers, America’s Best Employers for Women and World’s Best Management Consulting Firms lists.
About Protiviti
Protiviti (www.protiviti.com) is a global consulting firm that helps clients transform and protect their businesses, and respond to planned and unexpected events. Through a network of more than 90 offices in over 25 countries, Protiviti and its independent and locally owned member firms deliver deep expertise and tailored capabilities across technology, artificial intelligence, data, operations, finance, legal, compliance, HR, marketing, digital, risk, and internal audit — enabling organizations to accelerate innovation, navigate risks and safeguard what matters most.
Named to the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® list since 2015, Protiviti Inc. has served more than 80% of Fortune 100 and nearly 80% of Fortune 500 companies. The firm also works with government agencies and smaller, growing companies, including those looking to go public. Protiviti Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Robert Half (NYSE: RHI).
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SOURCE Protiviti
