SAN DIEGO—Succession planning, intergenerational learning andunderstanding that workplace needs don't vary among the generationsare important concepts in developing young leaders, said speakers atRealcomm/IBCon's conference CRE Tech5.0 here this week. Speakers on the panel “IntegratingMillennials in the Workplace—Technology,Work Style and Communications” discussed howMillennials are changing the look andfunctionality of the workplace and whether or not this cohort willbe prepared to take the reins once the current leaders move out ofthe workforce, as they are beginning to do. Moderator BradWhite of SES Consulting, a self-confessedMillennial, said, “The workplace is Millennial dominant—we need tofigure out how to incorporate them.”

Esther Bonardi of Yardi said48% of the workforce is Millennials, leaving the remaining 52% tobe divided up among Baby Boomers andGen-Xers. “Their communication styles and the useand desire for technology are where the differences lie. Boomerslike the phone and short emails. Gen-Xers prefer long emails andlong phone message, while Millennials want to text.”