Saying ‘OK Boomer’ at Work Could Get You Fired
The war between Millennials and Baby Boomers has been heating up over the past few years. Some experts point to the fact that people born between 1981 and 1996 are starting to take positions of greater power in the workforce and the world in general, challenging the dominance of the generation born between 1946 and 1964 - who are quickly loosing their footing as the dominant group. "OK, Boomer" has become the latest go-to sarcastic and passive-aggressive response for condescending advice from a member of the older group. However, using it at work could put you in the unemployment line.
The issue boils down to discrimination, specifically age discrimination. According to the Age Discrimination Act of 1967, if you use the phrase "OK, Boomer" it could be considered an ageist slur - in which case, you would be creating a hostile work environment. That would be an actionable offense (i.e. something the offended party could sue over) against your employer unless they take disciplinary steps against you. That could mean a variety of things, up to and including terminating your employment.
As a final thought, it is worth noting that Boomers aren't the only protected age group you are likely working with. Generation X, those born between 1965 and 1981, are almost all over 40 as well.