Heather, a staff member with the Department of Health Care Policy & Financing, presented an update on Colorado’s participation in a Direct Care Workforce Strategy Center peer learning collaborative focused on well‑being at work. Colorado joined other states and territories to identify ways to strengthen organizational culture and support providers so they can become employers of choice without adding regulatory burden.

Heather described five draft pillars the team proposes to evaluate and incorporate into existing surveys: culture and mission; leadership and supervision; development and opportunity; compensation and rewards; and relationships and community. She said the work aims to adapt existing research and surveys to the home‑ and community‑based direct care context and to align measures with tangible improvements rather than negative incentives.

The department opened an anonymous stakeholder survey that asks respondents to identify their role and county so organizers can detect gaps in representation; the survey will remain open through December 15. "We don't want it to be another compliance or regulatory program," Heather said, adding the goal is to highlight positive workplace culture and share best practices. She invited follow‑up engagement by email, focus groups or targeted outreach.

Heather said Colorado’s technical assistance work runs about six months and that the team plans to continue pursuing the priorities whether or not extra external resources continue. The department hopes to tie employer‑of‑choice recognition into Direct Care Worker Appreciation Week and to share findings as they develop.