Here’s How One Company Committed Itself to Building an Inclusive Culture

When Claudia Ball started college, she wasn’t sure what she wanted to study or which career path to pursue. But a “serendipitous collision of chance and timing” led her to major in communications—a decision that would help her launch a fulfilling professional life.

“A series of detours and unexpected events led me to choosing a major that could be attained mostly through night classes and a flexible schedule,” Ball says. “Almost exactly one year after deciding to study communications—and two transfers later—I had my degree and an offer for my first comms role.”

Ball started at the bottom, working her way up over time by taking on increasingly expanded roles and responsibilities. With each new job, her choice to become an expert in communications was affirmed.

Today, Ball is the Senior Director, Internal Communications & Employee Engagement at the prescription savings platform GoodRx. She joined the company at around the same time it launched its five community resource groups (CRGs), and has become an active member of the communities for BIPOC employees and women.

“There is so much potential for these groups to have a real and meaningful impact on the organization and in doing so, help further our mission,” Ball says. “The seeds of passion and commitment are there, and with time and proper nurturing, the possibilities are endless.”

Here, Ball shares why she is so passionate about GoodRx’s mission and all the ways the company is investing in creating an inclusive culture.

I loved working in entertainment—it was a uniquely fun and highly creative environment. I also had the opportunity to learn and hone my communication skills from incredibly talented, knowledgeable, and generous comms experts. My time in entertainment shaped who I am as a communications professional, and it also led me exactly where I am today. 

I knew that I wanted to work for a company that was mission driven. It was a bonus that the GoodRx mission is centered around our very broken and problematic healthcare system. I love being at the intersection of healthcare and technology. Even more than that, I love that nearly everyone who joins GoodRx is passionate and committed to helping make healthcare more affordable and accessible for Americans.

I’m responsible for internal communications and employee engagement, which means any and all things that need to be communicated to employees come through my team. I also work on CEO communications, as well as other executive and organizational communications for the employee audience.

Our CRGs are still very nascent and finding their footing. Like many companies, we hope to build and cultivate a sense of belonging and community that inspires, connects, and uplifts employees in a way that is additive and meaningful to our culture and business. I personally find the community and connection of the CRGs an important part of what helps me do my best work—a source of both new and shared perspectives, bold and fresh ideas, and earnest encouragement and feedback along the way.

I believe that CRGs can help solve real business challenges. They can be a bridge to understanding and connection. They can offer unique perspectives and experiences that can elevate our products and services. They can be advocates and ambassadors of culture and brand. They can be purveyors of progress and positive change. I don’t think I was being hyperbolic when I said the possibilities are endless.

CRGs are just one way to connect with colleagues at GoodRx. We have a robust Slack culture, with channels and groups for every interest under the sun, such as book and podcast recommendations, volunteer opportunities, and training resources. We have regular social/happy hours and cultural/heritage celebrations. And, of course, nothing beats a good, old-fashioned in-person 1:1 or meet up—still one of the most effective ways to get to know people.

GoodRx has a mental health offering called Modern Health, which provides access to a variety of resources to help employees manage their mental well being, including coaching, therapy, audio meditations, and group sessions. I like that you can explore and utilize the tools that work for your individual needs and preferences.

Open any newspaper, visit any news site, or even scroll any of your many social media feeds and you will be hard pressed not to see articles, op-eds, discussions, and posts about the state of healthcare in America. Nearly every American, if not all, will interact with our healthcare system at some point in their lifetime. I don’t know if there has been a better time than now to be working on affordable and accessible solutions to one of the greatest and intractable problems of our time.

I like to read nonfiction and fiction at the same time to have a little balance. I’m currently reading Black Friend by Ziwe and The Family Remains by Lisa Jewell.