Meta Cuts 4,000 Jobs in Latest Round of Layoffs Amid Company Restructuring

ISLAMABAD: Meta has begun another round of mass layoffs, cutting approximately 4,000 jobs as part of its ongoing effort to streamline operations. This workforce reduction is aligned with CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s strategy to optimize the company’s functionality. The move has left many employees in shock, particularly those who had received positive performance ratings just months before.

A key point of confusion is the shift in performance ratings. Several affected employees were initially rated “At or Above Expectations” during mid-2024 evaluations, only for their ratings to be downgraded to “Meets Most” during the year-end review. This sudden change resulted in their inclusion in the layoff list, despite previously being viewed as strong performers.

Meta had previously announced plans to reduce 5% of its workforce, primarily focusing on the lowest-performing employees. However, this round of layoffs is affecting workers across Asia, Africa, and parts of Europe, with notices being sent out between February 11 and February 18. However, employees in countries like Italy, France, Germany, and the Netherlands are reportedly shielded from layoffs due to stricter labor laws.

While reducing its workforce, Meta is also placing a significant focus on its future in AI and Virtual Reality. The company is actively hiring machine learning engineers, signaling a strategic pivot towards AI-driven innovation. Zuckerberg’s vision for Meta’s future underscores the increasing importance of automation and emerging technologies within the company.

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Meta is not alone in the wave of tech industry layoffs. Google has also initiated a voluntary exit program for employees in its Android and Pixel teams, and other major tech companies are expected to follow suit in 2025, reflecting the industry’s ongoing shift toward cost-cutting and technological transformation.

For Meta employees, these layoffs mark a significant change, as the company works to reduce headcount while investing heavily in AI and VR to position itself for the future.