Meta’s Layoffs: Even High Performers Were Let Go
Meta has once again made headlines with its latest round of workforce reductions, cutting nearly 4,000 employees. While the company framed these layoffs as performance-based, many affected workers claim they were blindsided by sudden downgrades in their ratings. This move raises questions about how major tech companies are restructuring their workforce amid increasing investments in AI and emerging technologies.
Unexpected Job Cuts Despite Strong Performance
Reports indicate that several Meta employees who had received positive performance reviews in mid-2024 were included in the layoffs. Business Insider spoke with multiple former employees who had initially received an “At or Above Expectations” rating—Meta’s middle-tier evaluation—only to see their ratings downgraded to “Meets Most” by year-end. This unexpected shift made them eligible for termination, despite their previously solid track records.
The move appears to stem from Meta’s internal directive to cut approximately 5% of its lowest-rated workforce. However, internal guidance revealed that managers were permitted to include employees from higher performance tiers if they couldn’t meet reduction quotas using only the lowest-rated workers.
Many employees, unaware of this policy, were caught off guard by their terminations. One former worker shared, “I had no warning that my performance was considered at risk. My manager had consistently given me positive feedback.” Others expressed frustration at Meta’s public narrative, which positioned the layoffs as targeting underperformers, despite evidence to the contrary.
Meta’s Workforce Restructuring Strategy
Meta’s latest layoffs align with CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s push to streamline operations and invest heavily in artificial intelligence and virtual reality. The company has stated that it aims to trim underperformers annually, suggesting that these cuts may become a recurring event.
According to internal memos, the layoffs followed a structured rollout:
- Notifications were sent to affected employees starting at 5 a.m. local time.
- Workforce reductions were spread across multiple regions, with Germany, France, Italy, and the Netherlands exempt due to labor regulations.
- Employees in the U.S. were among the first to receive layoff notifications, while those in Asia, Africa, and other parts of Europe would be informed over the coming weeks.
- Unlike previous rounds, Meta opted not to issue a company-wide update about the layoffs.
Concerns Over Transparency and Employee Trust
Many laid-off employees have voiced concerns about the lack of transparency in the performance review process. Some noted that they weren’t given access to their managers’ feedback, making it difficult to understand the reasoning behind their terminations. Others shared documentation proving they had consistently met or exceeded expectations for years before being unexpectedly downgraded.
One former employee, who had just returned from parental leave, reported receiving a positive review early in 2024—only to be let go without explanation. “I still think this is an error,” they wrote on Workplace, Meta’s internal communications platform.
Another worker noted, “Meta publicly says they’re cutting low performers, but that’s not the full picture. This could hurt our chances of future employment.”
A Shift Towards AI Talent
While cutting thousands of jobs, Meta is simultaneously ramping up hiring in artificial intelligence and machine learning. Internal memos reveal an expedited hiring process for AI engineers, running from February to mid-March.
Zuckerberg has positioned AI and AR/VR as Meta’s future, stating, “We’re building some of the most important technologies of the world—AI, glasses as the next computing platform, and the future of social media.” This shift indicates that the company is prioritizing specialized roles over broader workforce expansion.
What This Means for the Tech Industry
Meta’s layoffs reflect a broader trend among tech giants. Microsoft recently cut 1,900 jobs in its gaming division following its Activision Blizzard acquisition, and Google has also restructured its workforce to align with AI priorities.
The industry appears to be moving away from mass hiring towards strategic, skills-focused recruitment. This shift suggests that professionals looking to stay competitive should consider upskilling in AI, machine learning, and other emerging fields.
Final Thoughts
Meta’s latest layoffs highlight a new era of workforce management in big tech—one that prioritizes AI development while streamlining existing roles. For employees, it signals the importance of adaptability in an evolving job market. As the industry watches Meta’s restructuring unfold, these decisions could set a precedent for how other companies approach workforce optimization in the AI-driven future.
Looking to Future-Proof Your Career?
If you want to stay ahead in the tech industry, now is the time to upskill. Consider diving into AI, machine learning, and other high-demand fields to ensure your expertise aligns with where the industry is heading.
