Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is set to initiate company-wide layoffs starting Monday. Employees affected by the decision will begin receiving notifications at 5 a.m. local time in most countries, including the United States. The move comes as Meta aggressively pushes forward with hiring machine learning engineers to bolster its artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities.
According to internal memos reviewed by Reuters, Meta’s Head of People, Janelle Gale, confirmed the layoffs and outlined the timeline for the notification process. The decision aligns with Meta’s ongoing efforts to streamline operations and redirect resources toward its AI-driven initiatives.
The layoffs, which have been anticipated for some time, are part of Meta’s broader restructuring strategy. Over the past two years, the company has undergone multiple rounds of job cuts as it seeks to optimize its workforce and focus on areas with the highest growth potential. The latest job reductions indicate Meta’s continued pivot toward artificial intelligence and machine learning, areas that have become crucial in the competitive tech landscape.
While the exact number of affected employees remains unclear, sources indicate that the layoffs will span multiple departments. However, in stark contrast to the job losses, Meta is simultaneously accelerating the hiring of machine learning engineers. This reflects the company’s commitment to expanding its AI capabilities, particularly in response to growing competition from firms like OpenAI, Google, and Microsoft.
Meta’s push toward AI-driven solutions has been evident in recent months. The company has been investing heavily in AI research and development, with plans to integrate advanced AI models into its products and services. CEO Mark Zuckerberg has previously emphasized the importance of AI in enhancing user experiences across Meta’s platforms, from content recommendations to virtual reality and the metaverse.
Industry analysts view Meta’s strategy as a necessary adaptation to an evolving technological landscape. As AI continues to reshape industries, companies that fail to adapt risk falling behind. However, the layoffs raise concerns about employee morale and the company’s long-term workforce management strategy.
As Meta moves forward with its workforce adjustments, affected employees will likely receive severance packages and transition support. The company has yet to comment on whether further layoffs will occur in the near future.
The coming weeks will reveal how Meta balances job cuts with its AI expansion. For employees and industry observers, Monday will mark a significant shift in the company’s trajectory.
