Meta has begun another round of mass layoffs, cutting approximately 4,000 jobs to streamline operations.

The workforce reduction, which is part of CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s vision to optimize company functionality, has left employees in shock, especially those who had positive performance ratings last year.

Confusion over performance-based layoffs

Many affected employees reported that they were given an "At or Above Expectations" rating in mid-2024, but during the end-of-year review, their rating was revised to "Meets Most." This sudden downgrade led to their inclusion in the layoff list.

Meta had previously announced its plan to cut 5% of its workforce, primarily targeting the lowest-performing workers.

Who is affected?

Employees from Asia, Africa, and parts of Europe will receive layoff notices between February 11 and February 18. Workers in Italy, France, Germany, and the Netherlands are reportedly protected from layoffs due to strict labour laws.

Meta’s shift to AI and VR

Despite the layoffs, Meta is actively hiring machine learning engineers, signalling a strategic shift toward AI and Virtual Reality (VR). This aligns with Zuckerberg’s broader vision of making Meta more AI-driven.

Tech layoffs beyond Meta

Meta is not the only tech giant reducing its workforce; Google has implemented a voluntary exit program for employees in its Android and Pixel teams. Other big tech companies are expected to follow similar workforce reduction strategies in 2025.

What’s next for Meta employees?

With this restructuring, Meta aims to streamline operations while prioritizing AI innovation. However, these layoffs reflect broader trends in the tech industry, as companies reduce headcount while shifting toward automation and emerging technologies.