Generation Rainbow Survey 2026
The debates surrounding diversity and inclusion are currently becoming louder – and, it seems, more heated. A study commissioned by PROUT AT WORK shows that both queer and non-queer people in Germany perceive a significant deterioration in the social climate surrounding equal opportunities and diversity. At the same time, the issue continues to grow in importance within our society.
On PRIDE DAY GERMANY 2026 – the day of action launched by PROUT AT WORK to raise the visibility of queer diversity in the workplace – the foundation is publishing a new study on equal opportunities and diversity in the workplace.
Around half of the queer respondents perceive the tone of discussions on equal opportunities and diversity in our society as negative. Among non-queer respondents, the figure is just under a third. 60 per cent of queer respondents and 44 per cent of non-queer respondents state that the tone of discussions on equality and diversity in our society has deteriorated over the last five years.
“These figures are also reflected in the latest police statistics on hate crime against queer people,” said Albert Kehrer, Chair of PROUT AT WORK. “We are noticing an increase in hate speech, particularly on social media. This should serve as a wake-up call for us, because words can lead to actions.”
Companies have some catching up to do
Although 55% of Germans consider equality of opportunity and diversity to be relevant or very relevant in our society, this importance has not yet fully taken hold within companies. 29% of those surveyed state that equality of opportunity and diversity are not relevant at all, or not relevant, in the company where they work. Yet promoting diversity within a company has a number of benefits. Employees at companies where equality of opportunity and diversity are considered highly relevant are significantly more satisfied: 81 per cent of all employees (queer and non-queer) report high to very high levels of satisfaction – in contrast to 52 per cent at companies where equality of opportunity and diversity are considered to be of low relevance.
The study thus highlights a key contradiction: whilst the public debate on diversity appears increasingly polarised, diversity remains a crucial factor in the world of work. Companies face the challenge of creating a working environment in which people can live out their gender or sexual identity without fear of discrimination or exclusion.
“Diversity is not just a ‘nice-to-have’, but a key driver of innovation, the recruitment of skilled workers and the future viability of companies. To ensure that diversity is more than just lip service, clear structures, sufficient resources, budgets and binding responsibilities are needed – not just the commitment of individuals. Managers bear a particular responsibility in this regard: they must lead by example so that diversity is embedded and practised throughout the organisation,” said Albert Kehrer.
You can download the full survey from our shop.
about the survey
The study was conducted and analysed by the market research institute Mindline on behalf of PROUT AT WORK between October 2025 and March 2026 – with the kind support of Beiersdorf, ERGO and PwC. Around 2,100 people from Germany aged between 16 and 65 were surveyed – including 300 participants from the queer community. All participants were either in employment or looking for work, as the survey focused on the world of work.
The survey is supported by
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