The gray ceiling phenomenon is named after the better-known glass ceiling and is largely an unintentional consequence of demographics,[1] though another factor is Boomers retiring later,[2] due in part to the Great Recession having depleted their retirement savings.[3] By sheer number they are also competing within their own generation and their children who are joining the workforce.[4]
As the children of the baby boomers advance from below, the Gen-Xers, usually with middle management jobs, feel threatened and trapped in a job that is going nowhere and might be given away to the next younger candidate.[citation needed] Negative consequences of the gray ceiling include slowed innovation.[5]
↑ Smith, David (2015-12-09). "One gray ceiling is one gray floor". taxcreditadvisor.com. National Housing & Rehabilitation Association. Retrieved 2024-07-30.
