Transparency Across Generations: The Divide in Work and Home

In today's world, the conversation around transparency—whether in the workplace or at home—has taken center stage. Since I've published my first book, Raising Justice: Lessons Learned through Motherhood and started my podcast series, Mother Daughter Talks, I've received interesting feedback in the area of transparency. Many have applauded my courage to speak candidly about my journey and learnings in parenthood, but, I've also experienced the negative consequences of just telling my truth. You wouldn't believe the amount of feathers ruffled, by the sharing of my lived experience and learnings. There seems to be a clear divide among generations. As Millennials and Gen Z step into adulthood, we are challenging long-standing norms around secrecy and openness, causing friction with older generations. These shifts aren’t just happening in isolation; they’re bridging the gap between our personal lives and our professional spaces, sowing seeds of both division and transformation.

Transparency isn’t just a trend; it’s a necessity for building trust, fostering genuine connections, and advancing in both personal and professional spaces. I am unwilling to accept secrecy, hypocrisy, or hidden truths—whether at work or at home. With relationships, friendships, and family, I seek honesty, clarity, and vulnerability. In the workplace, I want leaders who are upfront, pay that reflects true value, and systems that prioritize equity.

At the heart of this divide is the differing belief systems around transparency. For older generations, the adage "what goes on in my house, stays in my house" was more than a rule—it was a way of life. This guarded approach to family matters was mirrored in their professional lives, where secrecy around wages and hierarchical decision-making created rigid boundaries. To question or share too much was seen as rebellious, risky, or disrespectful. But Millennials and beyond are flipping the script. We’re pushing for open conversations about everything—from wages and mental health to family dynamics and work-life balance. The question is, how do these generational differences impact both the workplace and home life?

Transparency in Wages: Breaking the Silence at Work

One of the most hotly debated areas of transparency in corporate settings is wage transparency. For Baby Boomers and Gen Xers, discussing salaries was often taboo, a quiet agreement among colleagues that money matters were best left unsaid. This secrecy reinforced power imbalances and limited opportunities for individuals to negotiate better salaries, particularly for women and minorities. Millennials and Gen Z are tearing down that wall, advocating for open discussions about pay to address systemic inequalities. We’re calling for companies to be upfront about compensation structures and advocating for employees to share salary information to ensure fair pay across the board.

While this push for transparency is helping close gender and racial pay gaps, it’s also creating discomfort among those from older generations or traditional perspectives, who see these conversations as inappropriate or even divisive. Transparency in wages can bring clarity but also exposes the realities of inequity, forcing organizations to confront their shortcomings. And yet, for Millennials and younger generations, this openness is the key to accountability, fairness, and progress in the workplace. The question isn’t why we should be transparent, but why we weren’t before.

Transparency at Home: Unraveling the "What Happens at Home, Stays at Home" Mentality

The workplace isn’t the only realm where transparency is stirring the pot. The "what happens at home, stays at home" mentality has been ingrained in many families for generations. In households where secrecy reigned, feelings, struggles, and conflicts were often kept behind closed doors. But Millennials and Gen Z are questioning that culture of silence. We are more likely to be open about our mental health, family challenges, and personal growth with our friends, peers, and even on public platforms. We are shifting the narrative toward healing through openness.

While previous generations may view this as "airing dirty laundry," younger generations see transparency as a form of emotional liberation. Openness about personal struggles allows for support, connection, and communal healing—something that was often missing in more secretive households. And this cultural shift isn’t without its tensions. Children raised in environments where silence was golden may find themselves at odds with parents or grandparents who see openness as a form of betrayal or weakness.

Writing my book, Raising Justice: Lessons Learned Through Motherhood, was one way of sharing the transparency that has shaped my own journey—particularly in raising my daughter, Justice. We’ve worked hard to maintain open, honest conversations throughout her upbringing. We have fostered an environment where no topic is off-limits, and that foundation has given her the courage and clarity to navigate the world authentically. Transparency and love will always be at the root of our relationship.

If you know me personally, you know that I am a pretty transparent person. I'm consistently reminding my family that Raising Justice is only the beginning. In my upcoming books, particularly Pieces to Peace, I’ll dig deeper into the complexities of Corporate America with transparency. My future work will take a dive into my childhood, marriage and other life challenges. As a leader, mother, and disruptor, I’ve learned that being open about my failures, struggles, and triumphs isn’t just healing for me—it’s empowering for others. Transparency shouldn't weaken relationships, it should strengthen them. But it takes courage.

Moving Forward: Embracing Transparency with Love

Whether in the boardroom or the living room, the power of transparency cannot be overstated. It’s the bridge that can heal generational divides, improve workplace culture, and deepen family bonds. While transparency may feel uncomfortable for some, particularly for those raised in cultures of secrecy, it’s ultimately the path forward. Millennials and Gen Z are leading the way by demanding clarity, honesty, and openness in all areas of life, and our push for transparency is fostering accountability and morale in new and profound ways.

Transparency must be coupled with love. Whether we’re talking about wages, mental health, or relationships, it’s not enough to be open—we must be compassionate. By embracing transparency, we allow ourselves and others to grow, to heal, and to lead with authenticity and integrity.

In the end, transparency isn’t just about airing truths—it’s about living them. It’s about creating a culture where openness leads to growth, not division, and where the next generation can stand taller on the foundation we’ve built.

I'd love to hear your experiences with transparency at work and home? How do you balance transparency and privacy?

If you're looking for a leadership coach to support you or your teams, email me at [email protected]