Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has announced plans to reduce its workforce by 5%, focusing on its lowest-performing employees. This move aligns with the company’s strategy to streamline operations and prepare for a demanding year ahead.
In an internal memo shared via Meta’s Workplace forum, CEO Mark Zuckerberg explained the decision to expedite the removal of underperforming staff, emphasizing the need for a high-performing team to tackle key projects in artificial intelligence, social media, and next-generation technologies like smart glasses.
“This is going to be an intense year, and I want to ensure we have the best people on our teams,” Zuckerberg wrote, adding that the company will “raise the bar on performance management” and implement more extensive performance-based cuts.
The layoffs will affect approximately 5% of Meta’s workforce, which currently stands at over 72,000 employees. While the exact number of employees impacted has not been disclosed, the cuts are expected to affect thousands across various departments.
Employees impacted by the layoffs will be notified by February 10, 2025, and will receive severance packages consistent with previous company policies. Zuckerberg also noted that some roles could be backfilled in 2025 and reassured employees that the process would consider the future potential of certain staffs.
Last week, Meta announced the termination of its third-party fact-checking program, transitioning to a “Community Notes” model inspired by Elon Musk’s platform, X (formerly Twitter). This model enables users to provide contextual information to posts.
Additionally, Meta has expanded its board of directors, appointing Dana White, President and CEO of the UFC; John Elkann, CEO of Exor; and Charlie Songhurst, a tech investor and AI advisor. White, a close ally of Zuckerberg due to their shared interest in mixed martial arts, is known for transforming the UFC into a global phenomenon. Elkann and Songhurst bring expertise in brand management and artificial intelligence, respectively, bolstering Meta’s leadership.
These strategic moves reflect Meta’s focus on innovation, operational efficiency, and leadership as it navigates a pivotal year for the company.
