Meta
Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram, is
set to initiate global layoffs, targeting the bottom 5% of employees based
on performance. Despite these job cuts, the company remains focused on
aggressively hiring talent in AI and machine learning roles.
Meta’s Global Workforce Reduction
Starting at
5 a.m. local time on Monday, Meta will begin notifying affected
employees, marking a performance-based termination process rather than a
broad restructuring. Unlike previous rounds of layoffs, Meta will keep its offices
open on the day of the cuts and will not release a company-wide
statement regarding the reductions.
The layoffs
will impact employees across Europe, Asia, and Africa, with
notifications being sent between February 11 and February 18. However,
workers in Germany, France, Italy, and the Netherlands will be exempt
due to local labor laws.
According
to Meta’s Head of People, Janelle Gale, employees who are being laid off
will start receiving notifications at 5 a.m. local time in most
countries.
Meta’s Focus on AI and Machine Learning
Despite the
workforce reductions, Meta is prioritizing AI development and machine
learning engineering. A memo from Peng Fan, VP of Engineering for
Monetization, outlines an accelerated hiring process from February
11 to March 13, reflecting Meta’s strategic shift towards AI-driven
innovation in 2025.
Tech Layoffs Continue Across the Industry
Meta is not
the only tech giant downsizing in 2025. Several major companies have also
implemented job cuts:
- Google: Launched a voluntary exit program for
employees in its U.S. Platforms and Devices team, affecting roles within
the Android and Pixel divisions.
- Microsoft: Increased performance-based
layoffs, reportedly dismissing low-performing employees, in
some cases without severance packages.
- Amazon: Cut 200
jobs in its fashion and fitness divisions, realigning resources
within its North America Stores team.
- Stripe: Laid off around
300 employees in product, engineering, and operations, even as
it plans to expand its workforce by 17% by the end of 2025.
- Robinhood: Its media
arm, Sherwood, also reduced staff as part of a corporate
restructuring initiative.
As tech
companies adjust their priorities, AI and automation appear to be
driving a shift in workforce demands across the industry.
