Meta to Lay Off 5% of Workforce Amid ‘Year of Efficiency’ Push
Meta Platforms Inc. plans to cut approximately 5% of its workforce, equivalent to around 3,600 employees, as part of its “Year of Efficiency” initiative. CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced the decision in an internal memo, framing it as a move to streamline operations and raise performance standards.
The company, which currently employs about 72,000 people, has been undergoing significant restructuring, having already laid off thousands over the past year. The latest layoffs will focus on expediting the removal of underperforming employees, shifting away from Meta’s previous approach of allowing a year for employees to meet expectations.
“I’ve decided to raise the bar on performance management and move out low performers faster,” Zuckerberg stated in the memo, adding that the company aims for 10% “non-regrettable” attrition, with 5% of that target expected this year alone.
Read More: Meta Unveils Tool to Watermark AI-Generated Videos
Generous Severance but Growing Concerns
Impacted employees will receive severance packages, which Meta described as “generous.” However, the layoffs have sparked concerns internally and externally, particularly in light of other recent policy changes at the company.
Policy Shifts and Backlash
Meta has relaxed its content moderation policies on controversial topics, such as immigration and transgender rights, citing a commitment to “free expression.” This move has been met with criticism from advocacy groups concerned about its potential to harm marginalized communities.
Additionally, the company recently discontinued its third-party fact-checking program in the U.S., raising fears about misinformation on its platforms. Meta has also scaled back internal diversity programs, drawing criticism for what some see as a retreat from its earlier commitments to inclusivity.
A Broader Restructuring Strategy
These layoffs are part of a larger realignment strategy as Meta seeks to cut costs and improve efficiency in a challenging economic environment. While the company remains a dominant player in the tech industry, these changes highlight the challenges it faces in maintaining growth while navigating criticism of its evolving policies.
As Meta continues its restructuring, the impact on employees, company culture, and public perception will remain under scrutiny.
