'Gen Z Stare' And Managers: The Generational Debate And The Gaze's Silent Meaning, Cost
Leaving other generations probably confused or puzzled, a new generational quirk has been taken by storm across social media – the Gen Z state. The infamous ‘Gen Z stare’ is manifested through a blank, expressionless look in response to interaction, questions or any other engagement with people born between 1997 and 2009.
Described as a long, blank and expressionless stare in different social situations, the Gen Z stare arguably fuels managers’ stress, making them burn out and walk out, and employers find themselves in a position where they can’t afford to ignore the stare.
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The silent stare towards managers from the Gen Z employees causes burn out, feeling passive aggression or emotional restraint by the younger staff. The action will not be loud, a protest email or a walkout, but a stare which confuses as well as triggers tensions among the managers.
Eye contact both as a message and revolt, the Gen Z stare is being used to challenge authority without uttering a word, claim many. Although critics consider the look a silly disengaged expression, it is argued that the Gen Z people are being misjudged, and that the stare represents something deeper, more meaningful and more serious.
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While many claim the gaze pierces through the corporate veils, critics argue that the disengaged expression, showing up during workplace meetings and daily interactions, destabilises the managers and the business es. As few argue that the stare heralds managerial incompetence, performative leadership, or outdated values, figures show that an increasing number of mid- and senior-level managers reportedly walk away from their managerial positions citing communication breakdown and emotional strain, corroborating the claims.
The purported Gen Z stare makes the managers feel they are being judged in the workplace, probably due to the new generation’s increased questioning of the value of capitalism and hustle culture, and the demand for transparency.
On the other hand, the Gen Z stare allegedly takes a toll on the overall businesses, destabilising work and eroding team collaboration. The silent stares thus create chaos. Though the stares are being perceived as a result of lack of communication, Gen Z sees it as just an evolution, despite the cost of misreading the silence.
