Challenges in acquiring support for employee treatment and work balance in small- and medium-sized enterprises in Japan during COVID-19

Objectives: This study aims to elucidate a few of the challenges experienced by employees of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Japan while attempting to acquire support to strike a balance between medical treatment and work during the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods: This descriptive qualitative study was conducted from February to March 2022 on SMEs. Semi-structured online interviews were conducted with 11 SMEs. Data collection focused on two key areas: (1) changes and challenges in medical treatment and health support at work during the COVID-19 pandemic, and (2) ideas and strategies for coping with the crisis. This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Japanese Red Cross College of Nursing. Results: Thematic analysis produced five main themes: difficulties in access to health services, rapid spread in teleworking, necessity of various responses depending on the situation, anxiety, and no major changes. Conclusions: SMEs in Japan faced difficulties in implementing regular support to help employees balance between medical treatment and work during the COVID-19 pandemic. In contrast, the incorporation of information and communication technology to stem the spread of the COVID-19 infection has advanced to continue to work for employees with a high risk of infection.