Editor's Note: This story originally appeared on FlexJobs.com.
The workplace in 2025 is being shaped by changing attitudes, shifting priorities, and new cultural flashpoints.
From the Gen Z workplace stare debate to conversations about going from white-collar to blue-collar in search of better pay, the findings reveal just how much employee expectations are evolving.
The FlexJobs Work Shift Pulse Report, which polled 3,063 professionals across generations in August 2025, sheds light on generational differences in the workplace and the economic realities influencing today’s career decisions.
24% Have Received the ‘Gen Z Stare’ in the Workplace
The “Gen Z stare” is a viral workplace phenomenon, often described as a deadpan or unimpressed look younger employees bestow on their colleagues. It has sparked an ongoing Gen Z workplace stare debate, with some finding it rude and others viewing it as a quiet act of resistance.
While the look itself may seem small, its rise speaks to deeper generational differences in the workplace. Older generations often entered jobs with an expectation that they should “pay their dues” and avoid conflict, whereas Gen Z is more likely to push back on unreasonable expectations, refuse to accept outdated office norms, or point out imbalances in professional dynamics.
In this way, the Gen Z stare is less about eye contact and more about a cultural shift in workplace values, moving toward questioning authority and prioritizing boundaries.
In the survey, nearly one-quarter of workers (24%) said they have received the Gen Z stare at work from younger teammates.
Generational breakdowns reveal important differences, with Gen X professionals the most likely to be on the receiving end.
This is the percentage of each generation that reported receiving the Gen Z stare at work:
- Gen X: 27%
- Boomers: 25%
- Millennials: 22%
Interestingly, 10% of millennials reported having both received and given the Gen Z stare in workplace settings. Among those, 5% admitted they intentionally directed the stare at older colleagues.
62% Ready to Make the Switch From White-Collar to Blue-Collar
Financial motivations and job security continue to weigh heavily on professionals. In the survey, 62% of respondents said they would consider switching from a white-collar to a blue-collar job if it offered better pay and stability than their current role.
In addition to exploring skill-based roles, many workers reported daydreaming about alternatives to their current careers.
The most common career aspirations included:
- Switching fields entirely: 45%
- Starting a business: 44%
- Early retirement: 40%
- Moving abroad: 34%
- Doing nothing for a while: 29%
- Going back to school: 27%
Why 85% Say Their Career Expectations Have Changed
Most professionals today believe their career expectations have shifted since they graduated or entered the workforce. Over half (58%) said their expectations have changed significantly, while another 27% said they have somewhat changed. Only 15% reported that their expectations have stayed the same.
When looking at the results by generation, millennials were the most likely to report significant changes (62%), followed by Gen X (59%) and baby boomers (54%). Nearly a quarter of boomers (23%) said their career expectations have stayed the same, more than double the rate of millennials (11%).
This is the percentage of each generation who said their career expectations changed upon entering the workforce—and by how much:
- Career expectations changed significantly: Millennials (62%); Gen X (59%); Boomers (54%)
- Career expectations changed somewhat: Millennials (27%); Gen X (28%); Boomers (23%)
- Career expectations stayed the same: Millennials (11%); Gen X (13%); Boomers (23%)
The survey also asked whether workers felt their college or training program adequately prepared them for the workforce. Responses were nearly split, with just over half (55%) saying they were prepared for the workforce by their college or training program and 45% saying they were not.
Looking closer:
- 19% felt completely ready
- 36% felt at least somewhat prepared
- 30% did not feel prepared
- 15% said they were not prepared at all
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