Is the ‘Gen Z Stare’ More Than Meets the Eye? Employer Considerations for the Perceived Behavior

Quick Hits

• The “Gen Z stare” is a neutral, expressionless response that reflects the unique communication styles of Generation Z, often misunderstood by older generations as disengagement or hostility.
• The stare may stem from a Gen Z member’s preference for digital interactions and evolving social norms, rather than a lack of enthusiasm or a disinterest in engagement.
• Understanding and addressing this behavior can help foster positive workplace relations and improve communication among generations.

What Is the ‘Gen Z Stare’?

The “Gen Z stare,” a term that likely emerged from a viral social media video, refers to a neutral, expressionless stare in response to a situation that traditionally would be considered to elicit a verbal or emotional response. The behavior, as the name suggests, has been associated with Gen Z individuals born between 1997 and 2012. It is often observed in workplaces when a Gen Z employee responds to a customer, manager, or even a coworker with a stare instead of a smile or small talk.

Is the Behavior a Sign of Disengagement or Hostility?

While the behavior is often seen as a sign of disengagement, boredom, or defiance, many suggest that there may be more behind it. Gen Z is the first generation to grow up entirely in the digital age, making them “digital natives.” The digital age has prioritized fast-paced content and online communication. Those pressures were exacerbated by the pandemic, as it limited in-person interaction during the formative years for many in Gen Z. As a result, some individuals in Gen Z may be less comfortable with small talk or less inclined to follow traditional social cues, particularly in professional or customer service settings.

The stare may simply reflect a broader general shift in communication and accepted social behaviors. Some suggest the behavior may even be Gen Z’s form of active listening. It could also be a response to questions they view as nonsensical or communication seen as inauthentic. Others posit that the stare is a defense mechanism or form of emotional regulation expressed to handle uncomfortable situations.

What Are Some Practical Implications for Employers?

Regardless of the reasons behind the stare, employers may consider adapting to Gen Z’s unique communication style and other perceived differences to maintain positive employee relations as Gen Z increasingly enters the workforce. The “Gen Z stare,” in particular, has several implications for employers.

1. Performance Problems

Managers, particularly those from the older Millennial, Gen X, and Baby Boomer generations, may perceive, rightfully or wrongfully, the Gen Z stare as a lack of enthusiasm, poor customer service, or outright insubordination. In retail and hospitality workplaces, the stare may also be perceived as poor customer service and may lead to negative customer reviews.

However, before taking formal corrective action, employers may want to understand the possible reasons behind and meanings of the behavior. They may further want to communicate to their employees how the stare can be interpreted in the workplace and remind employees of their expectations for behavior and communication. Taking an extra step to understand the issue can go a long way to improving employee relations and helping Gen Z adapt to the workforce.

Another solution for employers may be to train managers and staff on how to handle generational differences in communication and social interaction. Intentional customer service training that treats professionalism, empathy, and client care are learned skills, not assumptions. When employers invest in this area, they do not just smooth generational friction—they build a workforce that communicates with credibility and earns trust.

2. Harassment and a Hostile Work Environment

It is unlikely that any single instance of the Gen Z stare alone will meet any definition of harassment. However, given that many interpret or misinterpret it as a sign of hostility or exclusion, it is possible that the stare and its repeated use in workplace situations could be considered part of a broader pattern of behavior that contributes to a hostile work environment claim.

At the same time, the behavior may be a defense mechanism for some employees in uncomfortable situations. The prevalence of the behavior could be a sign of other workplace issues. Employees faced with discipline or corrective actions for such behavior may view it as unwarranted or retaliation. Employers may want to be attentive to the behavior pattern, document concerns, and investigate complaints thoroughly when they arise.

3. Credibility Evaluations in Workplace Investigations

Investigators often rely on nonverbal cues to assess truthfulness and engagement. However,  Gen Z’s baseline expression may differ significantly from that of older generations. It may be important to avoid automatically interpreting a neutral or blank expression as evasiveness or dishonesty. An investigator may want to question an individual about behaviors like the Gen Z stare during an investigation to make sure witness information and behavior are appropriately understood.

• Job Interviews and Recruitment

Similarly, job applicants or candidates for job promotions may exhibit the Gen Z stare without appreciating how it may be received by interviewers or evaluators. Employers may want to keep in mind that the stare is not necessarily hostile, and instead, may be a form of active listening or a different communication method. Employers may want to consider these other potential reasons before dismissing what could otherwise be talented and qualified candidates. They may further want to assess their interviewing and recruitment practices to ensure they effectively assess candidates from younger generations.

Next Steps

The “Gen Z stare” represents a notable shift in communication styles as members of Gen Z enter the workforce. While the neutral, expressionless response is often misinterpreted, several underlying factors contribute to this behavior, such as Gen Z’s comfort with digital communication and the impact of limited in-person social interaction during the pandemic. By recognizing and addressing this communication style, employers can foster a positive workplace environment and overall workplace culture.

Ogletree Deakins will continue to monitor developments and will provide updates on the Employee Engagement, Employment Law, Hospitality, Retail, and Workplace Investigations and Organizational Assessments blog as additional information becomes available.

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