A raised eyebrow here, an eyeroll there, most workers have had their professional facade break in some way at one point or another. Despite the micro-expressions that have always prevailed across workspaces, the “Gen Z stare” is currently receiving a lot of attention for being inappropriate for the workplace. Can an expression truly be a matter to debate over, especially one that is pointedly unexpressive and vacant? It does appear that the blank stares of the Gen Z cohort are now being carefully set under the microscope as the latest strike against their professionalism.
A new TikTok trend is on the rise, sparking a debate over Gen Z’s soft skills and how they can come off as condescending or passive-aggressive with just a blank look. Much like Boomers have been known for making inappropriate remarks in the workplace and Millennials have long been criticized for being overly sensitive and irresponsible, Gen Z workers are repeatedly accused of being stuck in their disinterested teenage phase, even as they grow older. Their characteristics and behaviors are constantly brought up when the discussion of professionalism arises, and the conversation around the Gen Z stare is no different.
Is the Gen Z stare truly that problematic? It is when you consider the strained intergenerational relationships that already affect the workplace. (Image: Pexels)
What Is the Gen Z Stare and Is It Really That Inappropriate for the Workplace?
Most people know exactly what we’re talking about when we mention the Gen Z stare, but if you’ve been lucky enough not to encounter it face to face, then we can certainly try to explain it. The new TikTok trend discussing this Gen Z trend focuses on how many people in this generation bring a blank, vacant, and unreactive response to a conversation. The Gen Z stare is particularly pronounced when a question is asked and Gen Zers respond with a blank, unresponsive look and a prolonged pause, as if waiting for the individual to either answer the question themselves or take it elsewhere.
While this particular look can be applied anywhere, the use of the Gen Z stare in the workplace is where the discussion goes more complex, with different generations fighting over whether it is appropriate at work. Gen Z’s communication style has unintentionally evolved into a workplace trend without them having done anything to encourage it, and many are accusing them of being intentionally rude and off-putting to get out of providing an actual response.
What Does Gen Z Have to Say About the Stare Becoming a Hotly Debated Workplace Trend?
The trend began to gain attention when many individuals went online to report their experience interacting with a Gen Z worker, where their questions and pleasantries were met with a blank look instead of an answer or enthusiastic greeting. Gen Z workers have come out to defend themselves and their use of the “stare,” explaining that it is the easiest way to respond to illogical questions and forced social interactions that they aren’t interested in.
The complaints regarding the Gen Z stare have been more widespread in customer service roles, and this is no surprise either. Most people who have worked such jobs are aware of the silly questions and accusations they have to put up with on a day-to-day basis. Gen Zers explained that the blank stare was the best response they could offer up when arguing and disagreeing with irrational customers was out of the question.
The Gen Z state was also an easier alternative to the forced pleasantries demanded of them in such roles, as faking a smile and forcing enthusiasm felt inauthentic to them, and Gen Zers are nothing if not true to themselves.
Is the Gen Z Workplace Stare Truly Such a Problem?
While the matter of a blank stare being so passionately debated might sound silly at first, these little aspects highlight the generational divide that exists in the workplace and add fuel to the raging fire that has been burning over the last few years. Managers have been frustrated with Gen Z workers to such a degree that many have considered quitting their jobs because of them or hiring AI instead of looking at the group as potential candidates for their organization.
The Gen Z stare and its role in manager burnout is not an expected association, but a concerning one nonetheless. Maintaining the peace at work might be an HR responsibility, but it is just as essential for workers to try to see eye-to-eye on matters and build a relationship with each other. Communication isn’t possible when hostility or passivity gets in the way, and this is why the generational divide must be addressed.
Concessions Need to Be Made to See Eye-to-Eye with These Young Workers
If the employee is otherwise communicative and gets their job done, older generations will have to make do with some degree of passivity from their younger counterparts. If the unresponsiveness gets in the way of work, then it has to be addressed by HR. However, if the employee is not otherwise hostile, it may be good to acknowledge that these Gen Z employees mean no harm with their stares.
Burdened by the lack of job opportunities, their stunted careers, and the constant stream of criticism directed their way, many of these young workers have grown to become more skeptical and non-confrontational in their approach to work. This may show itself in their habits and appearances, but for the most part, the majority of them appear willing to learn, collaborate, and build their careers if they are shown how.
Many of these Gen Z workers have never been provided with soft skills training of any kind, making it all the more important for employers to train their employees in workplace etiquette before criticizing them for their lack of familiarity with it. This can be one of the best ways to bridge the generational divide by drawing the line for all workers to see where they stand and what is expected of them.
Gen Zers Need to Take Workplace Etiquette More Seriously
When it comes to Gen Z workers, as much as we’d recommend being true to yourself regardless of the situation, the workplace does require everyone to follow a pre-determined set of rules. These regulations regarding etiquette are in place to maintain some degree of professionalism and level the playing field, and they are not going anywhere. No matter the generation, every worker has been forced to make small talk at work and smile at customers regardless of their odd behavior. This is a system that isn’t set to change.
Regardless of whether Gen Z workers want to make friends at work, it is only right to follow the rules that are established to make the workspace more welcoming and hospitable for everyone. Especially in customer-facing roles, learning to monitor your tone, choose your words, and respond appropriately is part of the skills required to perform the role correctly. The urge to make a customer see the redundancy of their questions hits every employee in equal measure, but not all customers are out to ruin a worker’s day with their concerns.
We’ve already seen evidence that entry-level jobs are shrinking and employers are growing more reluctant to hire Gen Z workers despite them making up a large part of the workforce. Soft skills training has been an essential element of the workplace for generations, and Gen Z workers who want to stay employed need to brush up on these skills as soon as possible. Gen Z isn’t the first generation to face criticism for their behaviors, but unless they make a dedicated attempt to improve and address these accusations, they will find their careers stagnating. Much like the modern workplace demands some familiarity with AI skills, soft skills are an essential component of employment that cannot be ignored.
Have your own opinions to share on the Gen Z stare and the soft skills debate? Let us know what you think. Subscribe to The HR Digest for more insights into the ever-evolving landscape of work and employment in 2025.