Entitled. Needy. Self-absorbed. Unreliable. Job-hoppers.

If you listen to many baby boomers or Gen X'ers discuss millennials in the workplace, don't be surprised if those terms or similar ones arise. An array of negative stereotypes has been attached to millennials since they entered the labor force over the past half-decade or so.

I don’t agree with the negative sentiment. Ask me about millennials, and you'll hear no shortage of compliments.

Across ROSS Companies’ portfolio, millennials have proven to be positive additions to our on-site leasing and management teams. They bring energy, passion and a host of cutting-edge skills that have resulted in significant improvements in the operations of our communities. Here are some of the many admirable qualities we've noticed in this scrutinized generation:

• An entrepreneurial spirit. More so than members of preceding generations, millennials are interested in one day starting their own businesses. What that translates to while they're working at an already established company is that they work independently and show strong initiative in developing innovative solutions to problems. They're unafraid to propose new ways of doing things. This creative thinking has energized our on-site teams.
• Savvy with technology. It's no surprise that a generation that grew up with gaming, laptops, smartphones and the ever-expanding world of apps is well-versed in technology. As our communities specifically and the multifamily industry in general incorporate more sophisticated technology into our operations, we need team members who are unafraid of and fluent in these new frontiers.
• Social media expertise.  Due to their immersion in technology, millennials understand social media like no other generation. Their skills in this arena are invaluable when it comes to connecting with both prospects and residents online.
• Skilled at multi-tasking.  Given their nimbleness with smartphones and technology, it's logical that millennials are good multi-taskers. And in the increasingly fast-paced environment of an apartment community office, that's an extremely valuable trait to have.
• They're ethical, and they care about the world around them. Online commentary praising millennials often points out their strong sense of workplace ethics and their intense interest in improving the surrounding community. We've seen these qualities in action on our leasing and management teams. How could you possibly ever get enough of those characteristics? Millennials create teams that conduct themselves with a high degree of integrity and that give back to their neighborhoods and towns.

The next time you hear someone speaking negatively about the work performance of millennials, be sure to point out some of these traits. We can't wait to welcome more members of this talented, hard-working generation to our team.