Meta has announced plans to terminate 3,600 employees, equivalent to 5 percent of its workforce. CEO Mark Zuckerberg stated in an internal memo that this move is aimed at accelerating the company’s performance management process. The layoffs, scheduled for early 2025, mark another phase in Meta’s efforts to enhance efficiency following significant job cuts in 2023.
Zuckerberg emphasized the need to “raise the bar on performance management” and expedite the removal of underperforming employees. Traditionally, Meta addressed underperformance over a year, but the company will now implement more extensive cuts in a shorter timeframe.
Focus on Growth and Innovation Post-Layoffs
Despite the layoffs, Meta has plans to refill the affected roles in 2025, positioning itself for growth in key areas such as artificial intelligence, smart glasses, and evolving social media platforms. Zuckerberg described the upcoming year as “intense,” underlining the company’s focus on driving innovation and staying competitive.
Employees in the US will begin receiving notifications on February 10, while staff in other regions will be informed subsequently. Meta aims to achieve a 10 percent “non-regrettable” attrition rate by the end of this performance cycle, continuing trends from prior years.
Microsoft Follows Suit with Employee Layoffs
In a similar move, Microsoft is also planning layoffs, targeting low-performing employees. While the exact number of affected employees remains undisclosed, reports suggest that multiple departments, including critical divisions, will face restructuring.
Under CEO Satya Nadella, Microsoft has consistently focused on maintaining a high-performing workforce, with layoffs forming part of its long-standing strategy.
Conclusion
Meta’s performance-based layoffs and Microsoft’s similar measures reflect an industry-wide focus on efficiency and productivity. As tech giants recalibrate their workforce, their sights remain firmly set on innovation and maintaining a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
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