The glass ceiling is a metaphorical barrier that represents the invisible but significant obstacles that prevent certain individuals, often from underrepresented groups, from advancing to higher positions within an organization, particularly in the context of human resources and the workplace.

Example
A practical example of the glass ceiling in human resources can be seen when highly qualified women consistently get passed over for promotions to senior HR roles, despite their skills and experience, while their male counterparts with similar qualifications ascend the corporate ladder more easily.