Gen Z, the generation that made TikTok trends mainstream, is now facing scrutiny for one of its own viral phenomena: the “Gen Z stare.” Unlike trends that show off their creativity, this one turns the mirror back on them. Think of it as an inversion of the much-discussed “millennial pause.”
If you’ve ever had an awkward moment trying to order coffee while the barista just stared at you, or if you’ve struggled to tell whether a younger colleague was following what you were saying because they didn’t respond at all, then you know what the Gen Z stare is.
This trend is more than fleeting internet fodder. It has become a flashpoint for debates over workplace culture, generational divides, and the future of soft skills.
What Is the Gen Z Stare?
The Gen Z stare is typically described as a blank, unresponsive gaze, often replacing conventional greetings or small talk, especially in service roles. Millennials and older generations have flocked to social media to share their bewildering encounters with young workers who simply stare back. Many interpret it as disengagement or a lack of basic customer-service skills.
But Gen Zers have their own perspective. They argue the stare is often a reaction to awkward, rude, or pointless customer interactions. Some say they simply prefer authenticity over forced pleasantries and see no reason to put on a fake smile.
Impact in the Workplace
Managers and older colleagues see the Gen Z stare as part of a larger challenge around face-to-face communication and soft skills, essential in customer-facing jobs. The result can be misunderstandings, perceived rudeness, and dissatisfied customers.
Employers are investing more in soft-skills training for Gen Z staff, driving up onboarding costs and delaying time-to-productivity. Some managers report higher stress levels when supervising Gen Z workers, with 18% saying they’ve considered quitting because of the challenges. About 27% say they’d avoid hiring Gen Z if possible. Half of the managers surveyed say younger employees create friction with older age groups, hurting team cohesion and morale.
Even many Gen Z managers acknowledge that their own generation is the most difficult to manage, according to Fortune.
In industries like retail and hospitality, where personal interactions are critical, the consequences are especially significant. Customers who perceive employees as disengaged or unapproachable may take their business elsewhere. However, there’s a flip side: Gen Z’s preference for efficiency and authenticity can resonate with younger customers who value straightforward, no-frills service. Brands that adapt to these changing expectations can strengthen their appeal to the next generation of consumers.
The Bigger Economic Picture
The Gen Z stare is just one small part of a broader generational shift. Gen Z now makes up nearly 30% of the workforce and has over $1 trillion in spending power. Their digital-first habits, desire for authenticity, and skepticism toward traditional workplace norms are forcing companies to rethink training, management, and customer engagement.
While older generations may see the stare as rude, others see it as part of a cultural shift toward more direct, less performative interactions that could reshape service industries and workplace culture for years to come.
Yet Gen Z faces major anxieties about their career prospects. The advantage of a college degree has eroded as big tech firms cut back on graduate hiring in favor of AI and automation. About 58% of recent graduates are still searching for full-time work, compared to roughly 25% for millennials and Gen X at the same stage. Entry-level opportunities are shrinking, making the job market more competitive than ever.
In such an environment, habits like the blank stare—whether intended as authentic minimalism or perceived as passive-aggressive—can be an obstacle to success.
A Familiar Pattern of Generational Critique
Of course, generational criticism is nothing new. Every generation has faced skepticism and mockery from its elders as it enters adulthood.
Millennials in the 2000s were branded the “Me Me Me Generation”—accused of entitlement, financial irresponsibility, and social-media addiction. They were mocked for living with their parents, spending on “avocado toast” instead of saving, and needing “safe spaces.”
Gen Xers, coming of age in the 1980s and 1990s, were dubbed the “slacker generation.” Critics saw them as cynical, emotionally distant, and skeptical of authority. Their reluctance to “sell out” was viewed as aimlessness and detachment from adult responsibilities.
These criticisms often say more about broader social and economic shifts than about any single generation’s character. But the cycle is constant: as young people enter the workforce, older generations question their values, skills, and work ethic.
The Bottom Line
The Gen Z stare may have started as a meme, but it reflects real tensions and the costs of generational change. It highlights the need for investment in training, the importance of adapting to evolving consumer expectations, and the challenge of managing a multigenerational workforce.
For businesses, understanding and bridging these gaps isn’t optional. It’s essential for tapping into Gen Z’s potential, both as employees and as consumers, shaping the future of the marketplace.