I am trying to see if a specific field is used in any workflows - does anyone have ideas on how to do this that doesn't involve opening every workflow that could possibly have it?

Either use SDF if you're technically comfortable with it (I'm sure the folks at #C42JX79UZ would be happy to help), or Salto's free-tier (your specific use-case is simple to do there)?

Cool, thanks for the suggestions, I will investigate

Strongpoint can also help with this. Flashlight is the free version.