Table 2 The codes extracted for the challenges and barriers theme

Challenges and barriers

1.1. Policy-making and legislation

1.1.1 Employees’ physical activity not being a priority at the macro level

1.1.2 Physical activity not being compulsory

1.2. Organizational factors

1.2.1. Long work hours

1.2.2. Large number of work shifts

1.2.3. Playing multiple roles in the system

1.2.4. Shortage of workforce

1.2.5. Mechanization and computerization of tasks

1.2.6. Allocating a bad time to exercise (after work hours)

1.2.7. Type of work (working at a desk or computer)

1.2.8. Stressful work environment

1.2.9. Ruling organizational culture

1.2.10. Personnel’s physical and mental health not being important for some managers

1.2.11. Job burnout

1.2.12. Poor notifications about the university’s sports and recreational programs

1.2.13. The lack of motivation for physical activity

1.3. Structural factors

1.3.1. The lack of physical space for exercise

1.3.2. Distance (from work to home or home to the gym)

1.3.3. Poor physical space unsuitable for performing physical activity (quality and size-wise)

1.3.4. The lack of shower facilities at the university gym

1.3.5. Old equipment and machines

1.3.6. Lack of a coach

1.3.7. The allocation of morning hours to women and evenings to men

1.3.8. Marriage and raising children

1.3.9. Personal and family culture

1.3.10. Female gender

1.3.11. The small space at home and the limitations of performing exercise in apartments

1.4. Personal factors

1.4.1. The lack of motivation

1.4.2. Exercise not being a priority in life

1.4.3. Physical exhaustion

1.4.4. Mental exhaustion

1.4.5. Shortage of time (time constraints)

1.4.6. Personal culture

1.4.7. Having no exercise plans

1.4.8. Financial and livelihood problems

1.4.9. Laziness

1.4.10. Family responsibilities

1.4.11. The lack of awareness about the harms of a sedentary lifestyle