Zillow’s remote-first model quadruples job applications, CEO reveals
WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES — Since Zillow adopted a remote-first work model in 2020, the real estate giant has seen a fourfold increase in job applications, according to CEO Jeremy Wacksman.
Wacksman, who took the helm 90 days ago, revealed this statistic in a recent Fortune interview, highlighting the company’s successful transition to what it calls “CloudHQ.”
Embracing the cloud: Zillow’s remote-first approach
Zillow’s CloudHQ model, implemented in mid-2020, places the company’s headquarters in the cloud rather than a physical office. This shift has allowed Zillow to reduce its real estate footprint to just one-third of its pre-COVID size while maintaining a handful of offices nationwide.
Wacksman, who works entirely from home like Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol, emphasized the importance of challenging assumptions and focusing on what works best for both customers and employees. “Very early on, we declared we’d challenge our own assumptions and shift to being cloud-focused,” he stated.
The CEO highlighted the benefits of this approach, noting that Zillow now has employees in all 50 states, resulting in a more diverse and representative workforce. Additionally, the company has seen a decrease in attrition rates.
“For sure, there’s a strong demand for flexible work,” Wacksman said.
Adapting to the new normal
While the transition to CloudHQ wasn’t without challenges, particularly in areas such as cross-time zone alignment and remote onboarding, Zillow has remained committed to iteration and improvement.
Wacksman explained, “There’s a ton to do on training and development—how do we onboard? We’re still piloting and trying new things every 6 to 12 months.”
The company’s flexible approach stands in stark contrast to firms implementing return-to-office mandates. Wacksman views this as an advantage, stating, “It makes recruiting easier for us. We’re a more diverse workforce for sure: more representative, and our attrition numbers have gone down.”
Zillow’s success with remote work aligns with insights from Annie Dean, head of Team Anywhere at Atlassian, who previously told Fortune that hybrid models requiring mandatory office attendance can negate many potential benefits for both employees and companies.
The future of work at Zillow
Wacksman’s leadership philosophy centers on empowering employees to do their best work. “Treat adults responsibly, and set them up to do their best work,” he advised fellow executives.
As Zillow continues to refine its remote-first approach, the company’s success in attracting talent and fostering a diverse workforce may serve as a model for other organizations navigating the evolving landscape of work.
