We’ve heard them all before: They’re lazy; they’re narcissists; they’re entitled; they’re unmanageable. 

Negative stereotypes about millennial employees have been around for years, and now a younger generation – Generation Z – is in the early phases of trickling into the multifamily workforce. And Gen Z’ers are getting a bad rap of their own: they don’t work well with others; they can’t focus; they’re impatient; they’re constantly glued to their phones. 

Every generation comes with unfortunate, negative and untrue stereotypes attached to them. The truth is that every generation is different, and every generation possesses valuable skill sets and attitudes that can energize and improve property management companies. 

Here are some of the many positive characteristics that millennial and Gen Z employees bring to the workplace: 

They’re self-motivated
Millennials love to collaborate on projects while Gen Z’ers are known to prefer working independently. Despite the differences, both generations are extremely self-motivated and want to contribute quality work to their employers. And they're eager to expand their knowledge and skill sets, qualities every employer values having in their team members. 

They’re tech-savvy
Gen Z’ers virtually grew up on their smart phones, and millennials are no slouches either when it comes to their familiarity with technology. With the Internet and smart phones now playing such a vital role in how leasing team members reach prospects and residents, the insight and ideas of millennial and Gen Z team members are invaluable.

Millennials and Gen Z’ers are extremely tech-savvy, and are enthusiastic about developing different ideas and tactics to most effectively reach new prospects and current residents. Embrace the digital natives, because they understand how today's prospects and residents want to interact. 

They’re innovative
People who have been in the workforce for many years can sometimes be reluctant to change; it's awfully easy to fall into the “this is how we’ve always done it” mentality. But millennials and Gen Z’ers both possess strong entrepreneurial, innovative spirits. They aren't afraid of change and in fact are always looking for opportunities to improve operations and make them more efficient. Their fresh outlook and creative energies can revitalize marketing campaigns, lead management processes and onsite operations. Don't be afraid of change – and be willing to let millennials and Gen Z'ers show you the way.

They want to change the world
One of the best qualities of these two generations is their passion for serving others and their desire to make companies forces of social responsibility. These two demographics want to feel good about their employers, and they can prod their employers to engage in more comprehensive and sustained corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts. CSR initiatives not only benefit local charities and organizations, but they can boost employees' morale and strengthen the bond team members feel for the company for which they work.

Here at ROSS, our company has no doubt been energized and strengthened by the contributions of our millennial and Gen Z team members, and we look forward to welcoming more of them into our workforce. They are loyal, innovative employees who are poised to successfully take the multifamily industry into the future.