Workforce leaders widely agree that worker voice matters yet often struggle to put it into practice. Let’s learn from two communities that made it possible. This session shares lessons from Shift Work Forward’s Shifting the Childcare Industry initiative, though ideas are applicable across industries. Presenters will highlight both what worked and what was challenging as they put workers in the driver’s seat, building trust where it did not exist, protecting anonymity, navigating power dynamics, and sustaining engagement over time. They will also show how authentic relationships, safe feedback channels, and intentional design led to meaningful improvements in job quality and retention. Participants will leave with practical strategies to apply these lessons across industries to improve job quality, retention, and long-term outcomes.