Abstract
Assess employers' use of information from government sources during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Virtual interviews with employers from 28 US companies in 9 National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA) sectors. Transcribed interviews were thematically coded and analyzed using MaxQDA24.
All but 3 companies relied on CDC as their primary source for policy decisions and workforce communications, supplementing this with information from state and local health agencies, OSHA, trade and professional associations. Half of respondents asked additional experts to interpret guidance for their industry, and all but a few modified available materials to share with their workforce. NORA sectors were not effective for audience segmentation. Perception of worksite transmission was loosely aligned with preference for and confidence in information sources.
Employers want industry-tailored information during a public health emergency; providing that remains a challenge.