Guidelines and Licensing for Using COPSOQ

COPSOQ is a shared resource. These guidelines and licensing terms ensure the tool is applied consistently, protects participant confidentiality, and supports collaborative use across workplaces, consultants, and researchers..

COPSOQ Australia ensures that workplaces, whether in the private or public sector, are assessed with the same standard

Guidelines for using COPSOQ in workplaces

To protect the integrity of COPSOQ and ensure results are meaningful, all users should follow these core principles when applying the tool in workplaces:

Purpose
COPSOQ is designed for psychosocial risk assessment and organisational development. Results are not a “grade” but a basis for dialogue and a tool to improve workplace conditions.

Involvement
Successful use requires engagement from employees, managers and representatives. Solutions should be co-created and integrated into broader organisational development.

Anonymity & Privacy
Participation must always be voluntary. Anonymity must be strictly maintained and all data collection and reporting must comply with legal and ethical standards.

Non-Modification
COPSOQ should always be used in its validated national form to ensure reliable results. The validated national version should be used without altering the questions, formulations or dimensions.

Act & Follow Up
COPSOQ works best when results are acted on and revisited over time. Where changes are made, a follow-up survey 1–2 years later is recommended to evaluate progress.

Licence Terms
Use of COPSOQ must comply with the licence terms below.

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COPSOQ is freely available internationally under a Creative Commons licence. In Australia, the validated version is delivered in collaboration with COPSOQ AU to ensure results are reliable, comparable and aligned with WHS requirements.

Licensing Terms

The Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ) is developed internationally under a Creative Commons licence. In Australia, COPSOQ is managed in partnership with organisations, consultants and researchers to ensure results are valid, comparable and supportive of WHS requirements.

  • Open and research-based — COPSOQ remains free to share and use internationally for research and non-commercial purposes.

  • Collaborative delivery — In Australia, assessments are conducted together with COPSOQ AU to maintain quality and consistency.

  • Shared purpose — Partners contribute to building national datasets that strengthen benchmarking and support workplace well-being.

Use of COPSOQ in Australia must always align with these licence terms and the principles outlined above.