The Gen Z Gaze: Understanding Young Workers’ Expressionless Look
LIFESTYLE
9/22/2025
A1–A2 Level
Vocabulary
stare – a long look at something. She gave me a stare when I laughed.
expressionless – showing no feelings. He looked at me with an expressionless face.
disinterested – not interested. The boy looked disinterested in the lesson.
concern – worry or problem. I saw concern on her face.
unique – one of a kind. This shop has a unique design.
Text
Many young workers today do not smile at work. Instead, they give a long, expressionless stare. People call this the “Gen Z gaze.”
This stare can make customers or managers feel worried. They may think the worker is disinterested or unfriendly.
Experts say this is not always true. Gen Z grew up with computers, social media, and the pandemic. They had less practice with face-to-face talks. For them, a serious stare may just mean they are listening.
Companies should try to understand these differences. At the same time, Gen Z workers can learn to smile or nod more, so communication is easier.
Comprehension Questions
What is the Gen Z gaze?
Why do some managers feel concerned about it?
What small habits can help Gen Z workers communicate better?
Personal Questions (15)
Do you smile often at work or school?
Do you know someone who has an expressionless face?
Do you think smiling is important?
Have you ever misunderstood someone’s face?
Do you like to make eye contact?
Do you smile when you meet new people?
Do you think the Gen Z gaze is rude?
Do you feel shy when talking to strangers?
Do you think older people smile more than younger people?
Do you like friendly customer service?
Do you use your phone more than you talk face-to-face?
Do you smile when you don’t feel happy?
Do you find it easy to show your feelings?
Would you prefer a job with lots of communication?
Do you think you stare when you’re listening?
Answers
A long, expressionless stare from young workers.
They think the worker is not interested or unfriendly.
By smiling or nodding while listening.
B1–B2 Level
Vocabulary
stare – a fixed, long look. She gave me a blank stare.
expressionless – without showing feelings. He stood with an expressionless face.
disinterested – not showing interest. She looked disinterested in the discussion.
concern – worry or cause of worry. His main concern was being understood.
unique – unlike anything else. The town has a unique culture.
personality – the qualities that make someone who they are. Her personality is very warm and open.
Text
In today’s workplaces, managers are noticing a new behavior among young employees: the Gen Z stare. Instead of smiling, these workers sometimes keep an expressionless face that can appear disinterested or even cold.
This has raised concerns because customer service often relies on friendliness. A blank look may leave customers or colleagues feeling ignored.
But experts say the Gen Z stare reflects generational habits. Growing up with digital devices, social media, and online classes during the pandemic meant less face-to-face practice. For many Gen Z workers, a serious gaze simply shows focus, not rudeness.
Workplaces, experts argue, should recognize these unique generational differences. At the same time, Gen Z employees can practice simple behaviors — like nodding or smiling — to make communication smoother and avoid misunderstandings.
Comprehension Questions
Why might the Gen Z stare seem negative in customer service?
How did the pandemic influence Gen Z communication styles?
What can both companies and Gen Z workers do to improve communication?
Personal Questions (15)
Do you agree that smiling is important in the workplace?
Have you ever been told you look serious when listening?
Do you think body language is more important than words?
How does social media affect your face-to-face communication?
Do you find it difficult to show interest with your face?
Do you think different generations communicate differently?
Have you ever misunderstood a coworker’s facial expression?
Would you like training on communication skills at work?
Do you think customers care if staff smile?
Do you think Gen Z is unfairly judged for their style?
Have you seen “quiet faces” in your workplace?
Do you smile more with friends or with strangers?
Do you think online meetings are different from in-person ones?
Would you say your personality shows in your expressions?
Do you think companies should adapt to young workers, or should young workers adapt to companies?
Answers
It can make customers feel unwelcome or ignored.
It reduced face-to-face practice, making eye contact less natural.
Companies should understand differences, while Gen Z can smile or nod more.
C1–C2 Level
Vocabulary
stare – an intent or fixed look, often prolonged. Her unwavering stare unsettled the speaker.
expressionless – lacking visible emotion or reaction. He delivered the news with an expressionless tone.
disinterested – appearing to have no involvement or enthusiasm. His disinterested response ended the conversation.
concern – a matter that causes anxiety or attention. The board raised concern over declining morale.
unique – singular in character, unlike others. Her writing voice is entirely unique.
personality – the constellation of traits shaping behavior and interaction. Her personality makes her well-suited for leadership.
Text
A smile has long been considered a cornerstone of customer service and workplace warmth. Yet, among younger employees, a contrasting behavior is emerging — the Gen Z gaze. Instead of smiles, managers and customers often encounter an expressionless look that some interpret as disinterested or aloof.
This trend reflects deeper generational dynamics. Gen Z, born between 1997 and 2012, was raised in a digital-first environment. From social media to pandemic-era online learning, many formative experiences reduced opportunities for in-person interaction. As a result, their natural communication style may involve less overt expressiveness.
While this gaze raises concerns about professionalism and engagement, scholars emphasize that it may signal attentiveness rather than rudeness. The challenge lies in interpretation: a blank look can be misread in settings where warmth is traditionally conveyed through smiles.
Experts suggest a dual approach. Organizations should acknowledge the unique communication styles of Gen Z and foster inclusive workplaces. Simultaneously, younger employees can refine their professional presence through small gestures — nodding, brief smiles, or maintaining eye contact — to bridge generational gaps.
Comprehension Questions
Why is the Gen Z gaze often misinterpreted in the workplace?
How did technology and the pandemic shape Gen Z’s communication style?
What strategies can bridge the gap between Gen Z workers and traditional workplace expectations?
Personal Questions (15)
Do you think communication styles are shaped more by culture or technology?
Should workplaces redefine professionalism to match generational habits?
Do you believe a smile is essential for effective customer service?
How might managers misinterpret an expressionless look?
Do you think Gen Z’s digital upbringing is an advantage or disadvantage?
How can older generations adapt to younger workers’ styles?
Should young employees be trained to show more traditional expressions?
How do you personally signal attentiveness in a conversation?
Do you believe personality is easily shown through facial expressions?
How important is non-verbal communication in professional life?
Can reduced expressiveness still be considered polite?
Do you agree that every generation has its own communication identity?
How might the Gen Z gaze influence leadership styles in the future?
Could overemphasis on smiling be a form of workplace pressure?
What balance should be struck between authenticity and expected behavior at work?
Answers
Because a blank or expressionless look can seem rude or uninterested.
They spent more time online and had less face-to-face interaction.
By companies recognizing generational differences and Gen Z workers practicing gestures like nodding or smiling.
