Table 3 Theme, categories, sub-categories, and a sample of codes

Role in confronting the direct effects of the pandemic

Collecting and providing information on the nature of the pathogens and the infection situation

“I sent daily reports to the task force on the number of cases and the status of the epidemic in the region.“(I4)

“I provided the task force with information about government and academic guidelines and guided them to act based on the correct information.“ (I1)

Establishment and participating in the task force and document preparation and revision

“I recommended that an infection control task force be set up as soon as possible.“(I2)

“At the direction of the human resources director, I supervised the content of the documents sent to employees.“(I4)

Advice on improving the work environment to reduce the risk of infection

“I suggested installing plastic curtains at the cash registers.“(I6)

“I was asked about ventilation, the material, and height of the partitions between the desks in offices.“(I2)

Rulemaking and case consultation services to prevent the introduction of infected individuals into the workplace

“I made internal rules about the criteria for staying at home for those who had had close contact.“(I7)

“I advised on the content of the internal notice that says, ‘If you have any of these symptoms, please go to the hospital.’“(I3)

Advice on modifying tasks according to infection risk

“I suggested promoting telecommuting.“(I2)

“I advised allowing employees to commute to work in their vehicles.“(I4)

Providing information to employees on individual infection control measures

“I explained to the employees that I encourage them to wash their hands because disinfectant was unavailable.“(I10)

“I was asked to produce a video, so I made a video about proper individual infection control measures.“(I4)

Role in confronting the indirect effects of the pandemic

Psychosocial factors

“I lobbied internally for an anti-discrimination policy.“(I13)

“I made and disseminated self-care materials of mental health and stress care.“(I11)

Ergonomic factors

“I distributed exercise videos for those who had to stay home.“(I2)

“I explained work postures and work environments, including overall lighting levels and hand heights for employees working at home.“(I4)

Physical factors

“A client asked me for advice on how to prevent heatstroke when wearing masks.“(I11)

Individualized health support

“I wrote prescriptions for employees in countries where customs had stopped.“(I13)

“I explained the risks to employees with infectious disease concerns and had them see a doctor.“(I6)