Embedded Files
Our why:
Our why:
Pitkin County is in a period of significant transition. Major capital projects are ramping up, expectations to maintain strong core services remain high, and in some areas we are being asked to do more with less. At the same time, we are experiencing leadership changes across the organization and at the Board level, and several new initiatives are underway that may not yet affect day-to-day work for many employees.
To support employees and maintain clear expectations for how we work together during this time, Pitkin County is launching the Caring Workplace Initiative.
This initiative is our way of ensuring that:
You feel seen and heard
Leaders are supported to show up as their best selves
Trust is built through consistency and follow-through
Our workplace continues to feel like a place you want to show up to — not just a place you work
Connection matters
Communication can be clearer
Recognition makes a difference
Leadership consistency builds trust
Supporting leaders with tools and training to lead with care
Creating clearer communication loops
Building accountability at manager and director levels
Making space for honest feedback
Sharing back what we heard - and what we’re doing in response
Pulse Surveys
Pulse Surveys
A primary part of this initiative is a new pulse survey structure.
Pulse surveys are short employee surveys sent on a regular schedule to track employee experience over time and help the organization understand what is working and what needs attention.
We will use pulse surveys to:
Identify patterns and trends in employee experience
Check whether actions we take are improving things
Spot issues earlier and respond more quickly
Share results and key themes with employees
Share actions being taken in response
Track progress over time
Pulse surveys are intended to create a consistent feedback loop, not a one-time check-in.
Why Participate?
Why Participate?
Because your voice shapes this workplace.
By participating in surveys you help:
Identify what’s working
Highlight where we can grow
Strengthen our shared culture
Build a workplace where everyone feels like they matter
We want this to be a habit — not a one-off moment.
How We’ll Keep You in the Loop
How We’ll Keep You in the Loop
We believe listening only matters if you see what happens next.
That’s why we commit to sharing:
Survey results in a timely manner
Key themes we’re hearing
Actions we’re taking in response
Progress over time
Here’s what we heard.
Here’s what we’re doing.
Here’s how it’s going.
And we’ll celebrate traction along the way — big and small.
What This Looks Like in Practice
What This Looks Like in Practice
To bring the Caring Workplace initiative to life in meaningful ways for employees and leaders, we are focused on:
Accountability discussions – Developing a shared understanding of what accountability means so we can address issues directly, respectfully, and appropriately.
Improved employee feedback mechanisms – A strengthened pulse survey structure that builds longitudinal insight to guide meaningful initiatives, with accessible results employees can review.
Stronger communication and conflict resolution tools – Better ways to communicate across the organization, navigate conflict constructively, and keep moving forward together so employees feel informed and supported.
A workplace where employees can thrive – Ensuring all roles and services across the County have the support they need to succeed.
More intentional action – Identifying areas of opportunity and acting on them at the right time.
A culture where people feel seen, valued, and heard – Balancing individual experience with organizational performance.
More learning opportunities – Providing training on communication, listening, leadership, and accountability that’s accessible regardless of work environment.
Culture work is ongoing.
We’ll continue testing, learning, improving, and asking for your input as we go.
Thank you for being part of building a caring workplace — together.
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