Dr. Gleb Tsipursky – The Office Whisperer
Nirit Cohen – WorkFutures
Angela Howard – Culture Expert
Drew Jones – Design & Innovation
Jonathan Price – CRE & Flex Expert
If you’ve ever led a meeting or given feedback and been met with a silent, unwavering gaze from a younger employee, you may have experienced what’s been dubbed the “Gen Z stare.”
It’s a term that’s gone viral on social media — a mix of wide eyes, blank expressions, and perceived intensity that can catch even the most seasoned managers off guard. For some managers, it feels unnerving or rude. For others, it’s simply confusing.
Many leaders are discovering that Gen Z’s communication style is simply different from what previous generations are used to. So, instead of trying to interpret the stare as something negative, good managers are learning how to meet Gen Z where they are.
Tracey Beveridge, HR Director at Personnel Checks, said, “There are bound to be changes in etiquette when Gen-Z have grown up spending much of their time behind a screen and in a highly digital world. I’ve definitely noticed the difference in body language and facial expressions between generations. Not always a negative thing, just different.”
Here’s what actually works to connect with Gen Z teammates, and communicate through the awkward quiet, according to those managing this new generation of professionals.
Start by Not Taking It Personally
What may look like blankness is often just someone taking in information. Gen Z tends to listen without the constant nodding or affirming sounds that managers might expect.
Instead of rushing to fill the silence, try asking a follow-up question or give them a moment to process. A quiet pause doesn’t mean they’re checked out. It often means they’re thinking critically about what was just said.
“I’ve worked with several Gen Z team members, and honestly, it’s been a bit of a learning experience figuring out how to communicate effectively. That whole ‘Gen Z stare’ thing? It’s less about attitude and more about trying to process things in a different way than older generations,” Trevor Perkins, Founder at Perkins Publicity, told Allwork.Space.
Patrice Williams-Lindo, CEO of Career Nomad, says that Gen Z isn’t being rude when they do this, because they’re just scanning for authenticity. Performative management doesn’t cut it anymore.
“Gen Z will read through you in 3 seconds flat. Their stare isn’t disrespect; it’s data collection,” Williams-Lindo told Allwork.Space.
Speak Clearly and Skip the Fluff
Gen Z employees value honesty, clarity, and directness. They want to understand the purpose behind their work and appreciate when managers communicate in a straightforward way.
That means skipping corporate jargon and being real about expectations. The more transparent you are, the more trust you’re likely to build.
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“Being interconnected but worlds apart is changing how they perceive conversations, and how nuances are missed or now entirely different in meaning and reception…so it makes perfect sense Gen Z thinks you and your stupid questions are cringe,” Landon Alexander, Traveling Trainer and ERG Founder at Peachy, told Allwork.Space.
Make Feedback a Two-Way Conversation
Gen Z doesn’t shy away from feedback. In fact, many of them actively seek it. But the approach matters. Rather than delivering top-down critiques, think of feedback as a collaborative conversation.
When they feel like their voice matters, they’re more likely to respond positively and apply suggestions.
Don’t Mistake Quiet Confidence for Disengagement
Not everyone shows confidence by being loud or overly expressive. Gen Z professionals might not always react the way previous generations expect, but that doesn’t mean they’re not invested.
They often show their commitment through follow-through, thoughtful questions, and solid results. If someone seems distant in a meeting but turns around a great piece of work, that’s still engagement…just a different kind.
Lean Into What They Do Best
This generation brings strong digital skills, a fast learning curve, and fresh ideas. Gen Z grew up online, which makes them valuable contributors when it comes to tech, trends, and new ways of working.
Rather than trying to mold them into a traditional model of professionalism, many managers are finding success by giving them the space to do things their way — within reason, of course.
“Gen Z isn’t afraid to ask, ‘Why are we doing it this way?’ They’re radically pragmatic and allergic to bureaucracy. I’ve responded by implementing radical transparency practices, like ‘Ask Me Anything’ town halls, detailed post-board-meeting summaries, and open financial briefings,” Jim Rettew, Interim CEO at Interim Leadership Solutions, told Allwork.Space.
In the End, It’s About Understanding
The Gen Z stare might feel uncomfortable at first, but it’s not a threat.
“Not everyone can be expected to have upbeat and extroverted expressions, and when many employees are working remotely, they may even lose some of those soft skills of communicating with more animation. If the employee is delivering their work and their ‘stare’ isn’t causing any issues then sometimes it is best to just accept that we are all different, and some people are more comfortable than others when interacting enthusiastically,” Beveridge said.
Managers who stay curious, flexible, and open to different styles of communication are finding better ways to connect.
And once you get past the stare, you might find a thoughtful, driven employee who’s ready to grow.
