SAN DIEGO—Succession planning, intergenerational learning and understanding that workplace needs don't vary among the generations are important concepts in developing young leaders, said speakers at Realcomm/IBCon's conference CRE Tech 5.0 here this week. Speakers on the panel “Integrating Millennials in the Workplace—Technology, Work Style and Communications” discussed how Millennials are changing the look and functionality of the workplace and whether or not this cohort will be prepared to take the reins once the current leaders move out of the workforce, as they are beginning to do. Moderator Brad White of SES Consulting, a self-confessed Millennial, said, “The workplace is Millennial dominant—we need to figure out how to incorporate them.”

Esther Bonardi of Yardi said 48% of the workforce is Millennials, leaving the remaining 52% to be divided up among Baby Boomers and Gen-Xers. “Their communication styles and the use and desire for technology are where the differences lie. Boomers like the phone and short emails. Gen-Xers prefer long emails and long phone message, while Millennials want to text.”

Randy Howder of design firm Gensler said his firm has studied the way Millennials differ in the same physical space from others in the workplace. “We see no fundamental generational differences in what people need from their physical space.” They all need privacy and spaces to communicate and collaborate.