In recent weeks, a viral workplace behavior—dubbed the “Gen Z stare”—has grabbed attention. This silent, unwavering gaze, often
perceived by managers as disengagement or defiance, has even driven some to
quit their roles (News.com.au). But
there’s deeper nuance here—and significant learning opportunities for younger
professionals.
Why It Matters
- Miscommunication
in motion Gen Z’s still face can be misread by older generations as
impatience or miss the intent behind questions—breeding
stress among managers (News.com.au,
LinkedIn).
- Soft
skills in short supply Experts link the stare to pandemic-era social
development delays and increased digital immersion, not outright
disrespect (Business
Insider, Business
Insider).
- Historical
pattern Every generation encounters criticism: baby boomers and
millennials faced similar doubts in their time (Business
Insider).
Root Causes
- Inexperience
with interpersonal settings Many Gen Zers
are navigating remote-predominant schooling into first office roles,
resulting in fewer face‑to‑face interaction cues (Business
Insider, Business
Insider).
- Digital-native
communication style Habits formed online—where silence and pause are
norms—impact how Gen Z
communicates in person (Business
Insider, Business
Insider).
- Natural
first-job challenges Blank expressions may reflect uncertainty more
than indifference, says psychologist Meg Jay (Business
Insider).
What Young Professionals Can Do
- Stay
visibly engaged: -Show you’re processing ideas—lean forward, nod,
respond.
- Ask
clarifying questions: Replace silent gestures with curiosity and
participation. Acknowledge emotions: Recognize manager perspectives
to ease stress in communication.
- Build
emotional intelligence: Learn non-verbal and verbal cues to connect
better.
Broader Implications
Failure to adapt may exacerbate the generational divide.
Yet, this is a chance for Gen Z
to transform workplace norms—by
complementing authenticity with connection (Business
Insider, News.com.au, Business
Insider).
In Summary
The Gen Z
stare isn’t a rebellion—it’s a symptom of shrinking soft-skill training and
rapid digitization. Take charge by:
- Converting
silence into communication.
- Asking
instead of staring.
- Showing
up—body language included.
That’s how Gen Z
can shift from being misunderstood to being seen as future-ready leaders.
Would love to hear from Gen Z
professionals or managers: have you seen this in action, and how did you
navigate it? Let’s start a conversation!