TJ Donnelly

CARLSBAD, CA—It's not only what they bring to the table now, but where relationships with Millennials can lead as they mature and their start-ups expand into larger companies, Lee & Associates broker TJ Donnelly tells GlobeSt.com. We spoke with Donnelly about some of the stereotypes about Millennials in the workplace today, what the facts are and how this ties into commercial real estate. (Note: Donnelly refers to several of the following sources for his answers: http://www.halogensoftware.com/blog/generation-y-understanding-the-work-habits-of-millennials, http://www.business2community.com/human-resources/6-millennial-motivators-a-guide-to-what-motivates-millennials-at-work-01232067#pWs5O4YB74wy0TXB.97, http://www.newgeography.com/content/003455-how-green-are-millennials, http://www.buildings.com/buzz/buildings-buzz/entryid/339/how-to-design-a-millennial-friendly-office, http://www.architectmagazine.com/design/urbanism-planning/study-millennials-impact-on-workplace-design-and-urban-planning_o, http://www.bizjournals.com/baltimore/print-edition/2015/04/10/interior-office-design-in-the-millennial-age.html.)

GlobeSt.com: How are Millennials currently viewed by business owners?

Donnelly: The word “Millennial” is a term that often makes those from different generations cringe. Many label Millennials with negative connotations such as lazy and entitled. Some think of Millennials in a more positive manner and consider them to be innovative and technologically savvy. Regardless, as a professional, it is important to better understand Millennials because of their growing presence in the workplace. In order to grasp the mindset of a working Millennial, one must look beyond the stereotypes and conduct a deeper examination of this generation's background, facts and work space preferences.

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Carrie Rossenfeld

Carrie Rossenfeld is a reporter for the San Diego and Orange County markets on GlobeSt.com and a contributor to Real Estate Forum. She was a trade-magazine and newsletter editor in New York City before moving to Southern California to become a freelance writer and editor for magazines, books and websites. Rossenfeld has written extensively on topics including commercial real estate, running a medical practice, intellectual-property licensing and giftware. She has edited books about profiting from real estate and has ghostwritten a book about starting a home-based business.

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