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Gray ceiling

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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.

General

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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]

References

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  1. ^ a b Wolfe, Ira (2012-07-16). "Gray Ceiling Darkens Job Hopes for Millennials". HuffPost. Retrieved 2024-07-30.
  2. ^ "The gray ceiling". The Journal Record. Oklahoma City. 2009-10-07. Retrieved 2024-07-30.
  3. ^ BehindTheLines-The Gray Ceiling on YouTube
  4. ^ Fisher, Anne (15 August 2006). "Are you stuck in middle management hell?". Cable News Network. Retrieved 31 March 2024.
  5. ^ Smith, David (2015-12-09). "One gray ceiling is one gray floor". taxcreditadvisor.com. National Housing & Rehabilitation Association. Retrieved 2024-07-30.