What Are the Different Methods of Survey Distribution?

Surveys can be sent out in a variety of ways, most of which are digital. Many survey distribution tools, such as SurveyMonkey, provide options to create well-designed surveys…but what about getting the survey to people? Choosing the right distribution method can be especially challenging in work environments where not everyone has access to the same information or tools, particularly in industries like construction or manufacturing that have a high number of non-desk employees. Employee survey distribution often leaves employers scratching their heads, trying to find a solution that’s both simple and accessible. 

How many types of survey methods are there, and what survey distribution methods are best for the workplace? That’s what we hope to address with this article, along with why a platform like Yourco may be the answer you’re looking for—whether your employees are office workers, non-desk employees, or third-shift workers.

The Challenges of Survey Distribution with Non-Desk Workers

In industries where non-desk workers are the heartbeat of operations—think bustling retail stores, lively restaurants, and busy manufacturing lines—collecting employee feedback isn't as straightforward as sending out an email survey. These employees often lack access to company emails or computers, making traditional survey methods ineffective. This disconnect can lead to communication gaps that affect everything from employee retention to productivity. So, how do you bridge that gap? By rethinking your survey distribution methods to meet non-desk workers where they are—not behind a desk, but on the move.

What Are the 5 Types of Survey Distribution?

The following five methods are common ways workplace surveys get sent out: 

• In-person
• Email
• Chat platforms
• QR codes
• Text messages

Let’s look at each of these, along with some of the advantages and disadvantages they all carry.

What Is the Best Way To Send a Questionnaire?

• In-Person 
  Some companies opt to distribute their surveys as physical forms. But as technology advances, this method is becoming more and more outdated for several reasons. In addition to how easy it is to lose physical copies of survey responses, transferring the data over for analysis adds an entire step for the leadership team—a significant barrier to cross before producing results that everyone can see. However, paper-based surveys can sometimes be the most effective method in environments where digital access is limited. For example, a construction firm might distribute paper surveys on-site to collect feedback on safety practices.
• Email
  There are several reasons email works for surveys: it’s quick, efficient, and lets you distribute messages across a wide range of employees. However, email has two disadvantages: its lack of reach and its frequency of use for other work purposes. First, not every employee at a company will have access to email—namely, non-desk employees or those who work on jobsites. Secondly, even office-based employees who have access to email are often overrun with a slew of messages. According to Templafy, the average office employee receives 121 emails every single day. Needless to say, making your survey into email #122 may not be the best way to ensure it gets taken.
• Chat Platforms
  Another alternative for communicating digitally is chat apps, such as Slack or Google Chat. Through these platforms, staff can communicate quickly and effectively, without having to wade through a mess of emails. Sending a survey out here, then, would probably be better than an email in most cases. But again, these platforms are limited to who has access to them, and not everyone has a smartphone that’s capable of using these platforms to begin with. And if you have any groups of staff that aren’t able to access these threads regularly—or at all—then they will never see your survey.
• QR Codes
  These handy portals have simplified a lot of things in society, from food menus to sharing information at a trade show. For surveys, QR codes provide a way for anyone with a phone to scan and access your survey. While this does add another barrier for entry to the survey itself, it’s usually a pretty easy one to cross. That said, the true downside to QR codes is that if they’re printed out on a physical item, they can be tampered with. Unfortunately, hackers have made use of this, finding a whole host of ways to make people miserable that unwittingly scan an altered QR code.
• Text Messages
  While text messaging is not commonly thought of as a means of workplace communication or a way to distribute surveys, it can be particularly effective for a number of reasons. For one, it gives everyone with a phone equal access to the survey; whether your employees work in an office or on a construction site, they’ll be able to take the survey in the same way. Additionally, platforms such as Yourco provide full integration into common tools like SurveyMonkey or Google Forms, and a built-in poll functionality, making it easier to create the survey and compile the data—all while keeping the experience equal for each participant. With high open rates—90% of texts are read within three minutes—text messages encourage honest and quick feedback. 

Benefits of Combining Multiple Survey Distribution Methods

Why settle for one survey method when combining several can amplify your results? Integrating multiple approaches can widen your reach and enhance data quality. By using a mix of online, SMS, and paper surveys, you can meet employees where they're most comfortable. This approach helps you reach a broader audience and improves data quality by cross-verifying responses from multiple channels. For instance, a health insurance survey combined online and phone methods, leading to more efficient estimates and improved data reliability.

Factors Driving Higher Participation Rates

Boosting survey participation isn't just about asking the right questions—it's about how you deliver them. Key factors that can significantly increase response rates include simplicity of access, personalization, and incentives.

Simplicity of Access

When a survey is easy to access, people are more likely to respond. SMS surveys excel here. Over 70% of participants complete SMS surveys within an hour of receiving them. For non-desk workers without regular email access, SMS offers a direct line of communication.

Personalization

Personal touches can make your survey stand out. Addressing employees by name or tailoring questions to their role increases engagement. Personalized surveys have been shown to boost response rates by 8.6 percentage points.

Incentives and Engagement

Offering a small incentive can make a big difference. Whether it's a small gift card, company swag, or extra time off, incentives can increase response rates by up to 19%. The key is to offer something that resonates with your employees.

By focusing on accessibility, personalization, and incentives, you create a survey experience that encourages participation and yields richer data.

What Is the Most Effective Survey Method?

The best survey tools make it easy to send, respond to, and collect data. At Yourco, we believe text messaging is the most effective way to distribute surveys.

• Accessible for non-desk employees – 83% of non-desk employees don’t have access to a company email. Yourco’s SMS-based communication ensures surveys reach them directly on their phones, no app or internet required. Most people respond within 90 seconds, making SMS the fastest and most effective way to gather feedback
• Smart scheduling & targeted communication – Yourco allows organizations to schedule messages and send them to specific groups, so employees receive surveys when they’re working, not just when leadership is available.
• Seamless data collection & analysis – Yourco’s built-in polling functionality gathers responses in real time, making it easy to analyze feedback and improve engagement. Responses are automatically logged and searchable for audits and compliance. Check out our Employee Survey Results Template for tips on analyzing and acting on feedback.
• More than just surveys – Use Yourco to schedule alerts for shifts, onboard employees, share company announcements, and gather feedback through polls.

Schedule a demo with our team or try it out for free today to see how Yourco makes survey distribution—and workplaces—flow a whole lot smoother.