Meta Platforms Inc. is poised to implement a 5% reduction in its workforce, as revealed by CEO Mark Zuckerberg in a company-wide memo. The announcement was made on Meta's internal Workplace forum, where Zuckerberg outlined the focus on culling the company's lowest-performing employees. This move comes as part of a broader strategic effort in anticipation of what Zuckerberg described as an "intense year" in 2025.
The social media giant, which employs over 72,000 individuals according to its most recent quarterly report, will notify affected employees by February 10. Those stationed outside the United States may receive their notifications on or after this date. With these cuts, Meta is embarking on its largest layoff wave since the significant job eliminations in 2022 and 2023, which saw nearly 21,000 roles—close to a quarter of its workforce—being slashed.
In his memo, Zuckerberg emphasized the importance of moving out low performers swiftly as part of a performance-based review process. The decision to streamline the workforce aligns with Meta's aspirations to develop some of the world's most pivotal technologies. Employees affected by these layoffs will receive severance packages consistent with previous provisions.
While the current focus is on reducing personnel, Meta plans to backfill the roles eliminated during this process in 2025. This strategic move suggests a longer-term vision for the company, balancing immediate performance concerns with future growth and innovation goals. As Meta navigates these challenging times, the company aims to maintain its position at the forefront of technological advancement.
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