A work assistance system includes: a memory; and a processor coupled to the memory, wherein the processor executes a process including: displaying a data list in which pieces of data are arranged according to a predetermined rule, in a state being viewable by an operator; detecting a direction of a gaze movement of the operator with respect to the displayed data list; and changing a region to be highlighted in the data list, depending on whether the detected direction of the gaze movement is in a predetermined state.