Meta is making headlines as it initiates a significant round of job cuts, signaling a strategic shift towards prioritizing artificial intelligence.
In an internal memo distributed to employees, Meta disclosed plans to notify nearly 4,000 workers identified as “low performing” based on manager assessments and attrition rates from the prior year. The layoffs will predominantly impact U.S. employees initially, with reductions also extending to teams across Europe and Asia.
Earlier this year, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg indicated intentions to reduce more than 5 percent of the workforce, framing it as part of an anticipated “intense year” for the company. This revelation aligns with Zuckerberg’s commitment to a “year of efficiency,” as Meta reorganizes its divisions to reallocate resources towards its AI and AGI initiatives. Internal documents suggest that the company is accelerating the hiring of machine learning engineers and has shifted some leadership roles into its generative AI group.
Concerns about workplace culture have emerged, with one anonymous employee expressing that “Mark is creating fear. He’s creating a culture where you have to be loyal to him or else. Self-censorship is rampant.” This reflects a growing sentiment among employees regarding the human element of the workplace diminishing amidst the technology-driven focus.
Amid these organizational changes, Zuckerberg has been seen publicly supporting political figures, marking a notable shift in Meta’s policies, including alterations to in-house diversity initiatives.
