fMeta has begun cutting jobs in targeted areas, especially on Instagram, WhatsApp, and Reality Labs. This time around is smaller in scale than earlier cuts, because of the company wanting to reduce specific teams rather than conducting a large round across the board. This comes after Meta’s dismissal of 21,000 employees over the past two years— 11,000 in 2022 and 10,000 more earlier this year.
Workers affected by these changes are sharing their experiences online. Jane Manchun Wong, known for her work on Threads, confirmed she was let go in this recent round. Meta’s latest restructuring suggests the company is continuing to move around resources to different priorities.
Why Is Meta Making These Changes Now?
Meta has been moving employees between departments and reassigning some to new offices. Reality Labs, for example, has already been restructured into two branches: Wearables and Metaverse.
Mark Zuckerberg declared 2023 a “Year of Efficiency,” marking a push to cut unnecessary spending while maintaining important projects. Meta has also put more effort into areas like AI and smart glasses, so the company really has to adjust staffing accordingly.
These recent layoffs mean that Meta is plaanning for the future and scaling down projects that no longer fit the direction it intends to pursue.
How Is Meta Handling The Situation For Employees?
Meta says it is working to find roles for employees affected by these job cuts. The company has promised to help people relocate within its other departments where possible, though frustrations have surfaced with workers. Some employees have shared that they were caught off guard, adding to the tension surrounding these changes.
On top of the layoffs, Meta recently fired several staff members in Los Angeles for misusing a daily meal credit. Reports claim that these employees spent the allowance on household items, such as wine glasses and detergent, instead of food. This incident has added pressure to an already tense situation within the company.
The atmosphere within Meta remains uneasy, with workers facing uncertainty about their roles and the company’s direction.
What’s Driving These Changes At Meta?
During the pandemic, Meta benefited from increased online engagement, which took up revenue. When people returned to their pre-pandemic routines, however, that growth slowed, forcing the company to rethink how it operates.
Meta’s focus has now moved toward AI technology and wearable devices, areas it believes will play a key role in its future. Some teams have become less central to the company’s efforts, leading to these targeted layoffs.
How Have These Decisions Affected Meta’s Financial Position?
Even with the internal restructuring, Meta’s financial performance has improved this year. Its stock price has gone up by over 60%, showing that investors have responded positively to the company’s recent actions. Earnings reports have also exceeded expectations, suggesting that Meta’s advertising platforms are still performing well.
This financial success gives Meta the flexibility to continue its investment in AI and smart technology, even while making cuts in other areas. The positive market reaction means that these changes have strengthened Meta’s position, at least for now.
