Up to 8,000 people will be let go from 20 May
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Mark Zuckerberg. Image: Facebook
Meta Platforms is implementing a substantial headcount reduction, aiming to lay off 10% of its workforce, or about 8,000 people. The decision, which was announced to staff in an internal memo, will take effect on 20 May.
In addition, the company has decided to halt recruitment for around 6,000 open positions that it had previously planned to fill.
The move comes at a time when Meta’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, is investing aggressively in the development of advanced AI products, including large language models and chatbots. Meta expects record capital expenditure this year and has recently announced multi‑billion‑dollar partnerships with AI companies. The company is even encouraging employees to deploy AI agents internally for tasks such as writing code.
In the memo from Janelle Gale, chief people officer at Meta, the company acknowledges its substantial investments in AI. Gale explains that the lay‑offs are a strategic measure to improve operational efficiency and offset the costs of these AI efforts.
Gale also addressed the anxiety employees have felt about possible job losses, which had already affected Meta’s Reality Labs division and other teams. Because of early leaks of information about the lay‑offs, the company decided to make an official announcement.
Meta currently employs around 79,000 people. The company will publish its first‑quarter results next week.
The memo assures employees that those affected by the lay‑offs will receive a generous severance package, including 16 weeks of base pay plus an additional two weeks for every year of service. Meta will also cover COBRA healthcare costs for US employees and their families for 18 months. Similar, but tailored, packages will be offered to employees outside the US, along with local support.
Career counselling services will be provided to help laid‑off employees find new opportunities, and immigration assistance will be available for those who need it. More detailed information about the severance arrangements and the redundancy process will be shared in a further communication before 20 May. On that date, those concerned will receive emails at both their work and personal accounts.
Business AM