81
300-BXB-01-IGDO © 2025, Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS)
1 877 494 WSPS (9777) | 905 614 1400 | wsps.ca
What Response Rate to Expect
There is no set number for an acceptable response rate. Instead, you need to understand what
factors may influence the response rate in your organization and monitor changes in the rate
over time. The rate of responses is just one of several factors you need to take into account when
interpreting the questionnaire's results.
Factors that could affect your response rate include:
Whether the format of the questionnaire creates any issues that may prevent responses – for
example, if you have a multilingual workforce, you may need to offer a translated version of
the questions;
Whether staff believe that their responses will truly be anonymous;
Whether the questionnaire is mandatory or voluntary;
Whether there are incentives for completion of questionnaire;
Whether work time is set aside for completing the questionnaire;
Whether your management team, JHSC, HSR and/or union help to champion the
questionnaire.
The response rate may change over time, if you repeat the questionnaire annually. For instance,
you may find that the first questionnaire has a very low response rate, but the second one is
slightly higher – that's a good sign, even if it's a small change.
WSPS.CA
