The gray ceiling is a business/societal phenomenon where the existing workforce of those born during the baby boom era prevents the younger generations of Generation X and Millennials[1] from advancing or being promoted at their jobs.
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.