Carolyn recently opened the floodgates on the Millennial/Boomer workplace issue.

As a keynote speaker at the annual Women’s Leadership Exchange Conference in Chicago, Carolyn opened the floor to a candid discussion about tension in the workplace between those who have been working for decades and those recently entering the workforce.

And candid it was. On both sides.

Boomers echoed time and again that they find it frustrating to manage Millennial who come with little experience and soft skills yet high demands and expectations for compensation and benefits.

Meanwhile, Millennial feel they are justified in their demands, as they have high education bills to pay back and, more importantly, they are willing to hold out for a job that allows them to better balance work and life.

What’s at stake, and where’s the balance? Both sides have legitimate points of view. The Millenials want more time with family, and want more fulfilling careers. The Boomers fear work ethic and the fundamentals of good, solid business are slipping away to a more me-centric generation.

Read Carolyn’s recent NYDN article, where she discusses her participation in this charged discussion.

Also, check out a recent and related CBS 60 Minutes story

Then, take a moment to weigh-in yourself. The fwm blog is an ideal platform for an honest and considerate discussion of this topic. We look forward to hearing from you.