Meta to Reduce Workforce by 5% Amidst Challenges
Meta, the tech giant led by CEO Mark Zuckerberg, has announced plans to cut approximately 5% of its workforce in response to upcoming challenges. This move will primarily target the company’s lowest-performing employees, as confirmed by CNBC on Tuesday.
Zuckerberg shared this decision with employees via a memo posted on Meta’s internal Workplace forum, emphasizing the need to “move out low performers faster” to navigate what he anticipates will be an intense year ahead in 2025. The company has clarified that it will be “exiting approximately 5% of our lowest performers” as part of this restructuring.
This reduction in workforce marks Meta’s largest round of layoffs since the significant downsizing that occurred in 2022 and 2023, where 21,000 jobs were eliminated, accounting for nearly a quarter of the workforce. With more than 72,000 employees currently on board, the impact of these cuts is expected to be substantial.
Employees affected by the impending layoffs will be formally notified by February 10, with Meta assuring that they will receive severance packages in line with the company’s previous standards. This strategic move comes in light of recent operational changes within Meta that aim to strengthen its relationship with key stakeholders, including President-elect Donald Trump.
CEO’s Vision for Meta’s Future
In a recent video announcement, Zuckerberg outlined Meta’s strategic shift towards prioritizing free expression on its platforms. He highlighted the company’s decision to discontinue its third-party fact-checking program in favor of a community-driven “Community Notes” model, inspired by Elon Musk’s platform X.
Zuckerberg emphasized the significance of the upcoming year as Meta works on pioneering technologies such as AI, augmented reality glasses, and the evolution of social media. He stressed the importance of having the best talent on board to drive these initiatives forward, prompting the need for a more rigorous approach to performance management.
Employee Impact and Company Direction
Employees at Meta are bracing themselves for the impact of these impending layoffs, with the company gearing up to provide additional guidance to managers to navigate this transition smoothly. While the decision to part ways with underperforming staff members is aimed at enhancing overall efficiency and performance, Meta remains committed to supporting those affected with generous severance packages.
As Meta embarks on this restructuring journey, the tech industry will be closely watching how these changes shape the company’s trajectory in the dynamic landscape of digital innovation and social media evolution. With Zuckerberg at the helm, Meta’s strategic decisions are poised to influence the future of tech giants worldwide.
