Tech giant Meta Platforms Inc. is preparing to lay off 3,000 employees, amounting to 5% of its total workforce, according to a leaked memo obtained by Business Insider. The job cuts, scheduled for February 10, 2025, are part of Meta’s ongoing restructuring efforts aimed at eliminating low performers while boosting investments in artificial intelligence (AI).
This move aligns with a broader cost-cutting trend across big tech companies, including Microsoft, Amazon, and Salesforce, which have reduced their workforces after pandemic-era hiring sprees.
Zuckerberg’s “Efficiency Drive” Sparks Employee Anxiety
Meta’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg has reportedly told employees that the company will “raise the bar” on performance expectations and act swiftly to remove underperformers. However, these layoffs have caused significant unrest among employees.
- Employees describe a culture of fear, with one saying, “Mark is creating fear… you have to be loyal to him or else.”
- Some compare the situation to a George Orwell novel, highlighting the secrecy around layoffs and employees “disappearing” without explanation.
Concerns Over Unfair Performance-Based Layoffs
Employees argue that labeling these layoffs as performance-based cuts is unfair, as it could damage their reputation when seeking future employment.
- One employee remarked, “Now people have to go back into the job market with a label that is incredibly unfair.”
- Workers fear that good employees may be let go simply to meet layoff quotas, impacting morale and creating job insecurity at Meta.
Conclusion
As Meta aggressively restructures to focus on AI investments, employees face uncertainty and growing dissatisfaction. While the company aims for greater efficiency, the impact of these mass layoffs on workplace morale and employee retention remains a major concern.
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