Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has announced a significant round of layoffs, targeting approximately 5% of its workforce.
This decision, led by CEO Mark Zuckerberg, is part of a broader strategy to improve efficiency and performance within the company.
The layoffs are expected to affect around 3,600 employees globally.
Meta Performance-Based Terminations: Global Impact
The layoffs, referred to as “performance terminations,” are aimed at removing underperforming employees.
According to internal memos, Zuckerberg emphasized the need to “raise the bar on performance management” and move out low-performers faster.
This move is in line with Meta’s long-term goal of maintaining a “lean and high-performing organization”.
The layoffs will impact employees across multiple countries, including the United States, Europe, Asia, and Africa.
However, due to local labor laws, employees in Germany, France, Italy, and the Netherlands will be excluded from the immediate cuts.
Meta will send notifications for workers in other countries between February 11 and February 18.
Office Operations: Hiring Machine Learning Engineers
“Unlike previous rounds of layoffs, Meta will keep its offices open on the day of the notifications. Meta will inform employees about their termination via email.
The company has also stated that it will not provide additional details on the decisions.
Meta’s Head of People, Janelle Gale, mentioned in a memo that the company aims to ensure minimal disruption to day-to-day operations.
“In a separate memo, Peng Fan, Meta’s VP of Engineering for Monetization, encouraged employees to assist in speeding up the hiring process.
This hiring process targets machine learning engineers and other essential engineering positions.
This hiring process is scheduled to take place between February 11 and March 13.
Industry Trend and Employee Reactions
Meta’s decision to lay off employees is part of a wider trend among major tech companies in 2025.
Google has introduced a voluntary exit program for employees in its US Platforms and Devices division, while Microsoft has increased performance-based layoffs.
Amazon has also eliminated about 200 positions in its fashion and fitness divisions.
The layoffs have sparked mixed reactions among employees.
Some employees have expressed concerns about job security and the impact on their careers.
Others, however, have acknowledged the need for Meta to remain competitive and efficient in a rapidly changing tech landscape.
Despite the layoffs, Meta remains focused on its investments in artificial intelligence, the metaverse, and other emerging technologies.
The company is restructuring its teams to align with future goals and ensure long-term stability.
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