Workplace Recovery and Substance Use Disorders: Exploring Gaps Between Employee Experiences and Organizational Supports
This pilot project investigates how well workplace policies and practices align with the needs and lived experiences of employed adults in treatment or recovery from substance use disorders. Using surveys, focus groups, and employer interviews, the study will identify workplace conditions, stigma, supports, and gaps that influence recovery trajectories across multiple industries. Findings will generate foundational mixed‑methods evidence to refine Recovery Friendly Workplace strategies and support future large‑scale Total Worker Health® intervention research.
Simulation Modeling for Workforce Well‑being: A Learning Health Systems Approach to Better Work for Better Care
This project uses rapid‑cycle simulation modeling and integrated survey–EHR data to identify optimal work design strategies that improve clinician well‑being, safety, and job performance. It establishes a multidisciplinary learning lab that brings clinicians and leaders together to review data, co‑develop interventions, and translate evidence into operational decision‑making. Ultimately, the work aims to create scalable, evidence‑informed approaches that reduce administrative harm and enhance patient care quality while supporting a sustainable clinical workforce.
The Gathering Shed: Support, Connection, and Resources for Agriculture Workers
The Gathering Shed project establishes a trusted, welcoming space in Center, Colorado, where agricultural workers can access peer connection, culturally resonant beverages, mental health support, PPE, and essential resources. It also brings together community‑based food organizations to create a coordinated, sustainable system for providing locally grown food to agricultural workers, addressing the paradox of high food insecurity among food producers. Using the PRISM implementation framework and strong existing partnerships, the project aims to improve worker well‑being, reduce stress, and generate the groundwork for a larger Total Worker Health® intervention tailored to the unique needs of the San Luis Valley agricultural workforce
Designing Safer Schools: Building School Capacity to Prevent and Mitigate Violence
This project aims to understand how school violence affects the educator workforce and to assess the fit of a leadership‑based intervention designed to prevent and mitigate violence‑related hazards. Through interviews and a stakeholder workshop, the team will collaboratively adapt components of the Mental Health Integrated Emergency Preparedness curriculum and the Built to Last leadership toolkit to create a targeted school‑focused violence prevention intervention. The ultimate goal is to build district and school capacity to protect staff physical and mental health, strengthen leadership support, and reduce exposure to violence across Colorado schools.
Individual and Household Determinants of Renal Insufficiency Among Agricultural Workers: A Total Worker Health® Approach
This project seeks to understand the factors that contribute to or reduce risk for kidney damage in
agricultural workers. This will be the first study to examine non-occupational factors, including conditions of the home environment and individual determinants, in a high-risk worker population.
How Supportive Physical Work Environments Impact Nursing Home
Staff Well-Being
This project seeks to characterize worker well-being in nursing home facilities using the NIOSH Worker Well-being Questionnaire (WellBQ).
Effects of Frequent Active Breaks In Prolonged Sitting Versus Continuous
Physical Activity on Behavioral and Health-Related Outcomes in Sedentary Office Workers at Risk for Type 2 Diabetes: A Pilot Study
This project will provide novel data on the effects of breaking up sedentary behavior bouts of brief
but frequent physical activity on behavioral and health-related outcomes in office workers.
Fostering Resilience in Early Education for Migrant and Seasonal Head Start programs (FREE-M)
To support the mental health of early care educators working with migrant communities in Colorado. A proven program will be adapted to fit the unique needs of this group, ensuring educators have access to mental health resources and well-being practices
that can positively impact both their lives and the young children they care for.
Immigrant Farmworker Behavioral Health Promotion
To reduce work-related stress and improve access to mental health resources for dairy workers while educating farm owners on best practices to support their teams. This project focuses on immigrant dairy farmworkers in Wisconsin—a population
facing significant health and safety challenges.
Building the Foundation for Thriving Teams: Defining and Measuring Inpatient Provider Workload
This project aims to define and measure hospitalist workload to develop an easy-to-use mobile application paired with the electronic health records to track total work. This work will be foundational to connect work practices to outcomes (worker, patient, operational, and financial) and to then determine best practices.
