WeWork CEO Revitalizes Culture Through Dress Codes and Flexible Work Policies
John Santora balances corporate discipline with employee flexibility to stabilize the post-bankruptcy firm.
1Leadership Transition Post-Bankruptcy
John Santora assumed the CEO role in 2024 following WeWork’s emergence from a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing. Previously a long-term executive at Cushman Wakefield, Santora brought a structured, disciplined approach to a company that had previously struggled with instability. His primary mandate was to stabilize operations and restore financial viability after years of turmoil.
2Financial Turnaround and Stability
Since the 2019 valuation collapse from $47 billion to $8 billion, WeWork has achieved significant financial milestones. The company reported eight quarters of EBITDA profitability and expects a fourth consecutive quarter of cash-flow positive results. In 2025, the firm generated approximately $2.3 billion in revenue, signaling a successful operational recovery under new leadership.
3Cultural Shift Through Decorum
Upon joining, Santora observed a lack of professional standards, noting employees wearing pajamas and slippers in office spaces. He mandated a stricter dress code to foster a sense of decorum and trust. This shift aimed to move the company away from its previous chaotic culture toward a more professional, client-focused real estate business model.
4Balancing Structure and Flexibility
While enforcing a suit-and-tie standard for meetings, Santora introduced a reciprocal flexibility policy for staff. Employees are granted one day of remote work per week, acknowledging the need for personal time. Santora emphasizes that output and client satisfaction remain the primary metrics for success, rather than strictly monitoring office arrival or departure times.
5The CEO's Personal Leadership Style
Santora describes himself as a structured, buttoned-up real estate professional, contrasting sharply with the charismatic, visionary style of founder Adam Neumann. Despite his preference for formal attire, he occasionally adopts a more relaxed approach on Fridays, wearing sneakers depending on his schedule. This demonstrates a pragmatic, human-centric approach to his own leadership.
6Operational Realignment Strategy
The company’s core business model remains renting and upgrading office spaces for freelancers and startups. However, the focus has shifted from Neumann’s grand proclamations about elevating world consciousness to practical, disciplined real estate management. Santora’s 47 years of industry experience at Cushman Wakefield provide the technical foundation necessary to sustain this new, grounded strategy.
7Employee Trust and Retention
Santora believes that granting flexibility, such as allowing parents to attend children's events, is essential for building long-term employee trust. By balancing professional expectations with personal life needs, he aims to stabilize the workforce. This approach is a deliberate effort to move past the company’s previous reputation for erratic management and internal instability.
8Future Outlook for WeWork
While the company has not regained its former peak valuation, its survival and current profitability are notable achievements. The combination of disciplined corporate structure and measured flexibility appears to be working. Moving forward, the firm continues to focus on maintaining its revenue streams while embedding a culture of professional accountability across all global offices.