Meta Platforms announced that it will lay off approximately 5% of its workforce, targeting its “lowest performers.” The company, which employed more than 72,000 individuals as of September 30, will seek to fill the positions of those affected later this year. The decision is part of Meta’s ongoing efforts to “raise the bar” on performance management, according to a spokesperson for CEO Mark Zuckerberg.
Zuckerberg has previously indicated that more job cuts could be on the horizon in the coming months, as the company works to streamline operations and improve efficiency. This is in line with Meta’s broader shift toward prioritizing artificial intelligence (AI) investments, with billions being funneled into AI infrastructure to stay competitive in the rapidly evolving tech landscape. Many other tech firms, including Cisco and IBM, have made similar moves to redirect investments into AI.
The announcement follows significant restructuring efforts in 2022, which led to the loss of around 11,000 jobs. Meta’s “Year of Efficiency” in 2023 saw the company eliminate an additional 10,000 roles as part of cost-cutting initiatives.
In a related move, Meta also made headlines last week by canceling its U.S. fact-checking program and relaxing restrictions on certain controversial topics. This was seen as a response to pressure from conservative groups ahead of Donald Trump’s return to the U.S. presidential race.
