Meta to lay off 3,000 employees as AI hiring takes priority
PTC Web Desk: Meta has started laying off 3,000 employees as part of its restructuring efforts, focusing on artificial intelligence (AI) talent acquisition. Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is set to notify affected employees by February 11...., according to an internal memo from Janelle Gale, Meta’s head of people.
However, due to regional labour laws, employees in Germany, France, Italy, and the Netherlands will be exempt from these layoffs. Staff in several countries across Europe, Asia, and Africa will receive their termination notices between February 11 and February 18.
While Meta has not publicly commented on the memos, reports indicate that the company is shifting its hiring strategy, prioritising AI and machine learning engineers.
The layoffs are part of Meta’s broader plan to remove underperforming employees. Last month, the company confirmed its decision to cut approximately 5% of its workforce based on performance evaluations. According to reports, Gale referred to these job cuts as “performance terminations,” aiming to improve overall efficiency.
CEO Mark Zuckerberg acknowledged the restructuring, stating that Meta must “raise the bar on performance” and quickly eliminate underperforming staff. He also warned that 2024 and 2025 would be “challenging years” for the company, as it continues heavy investments in AI and the metaverse.
Despite job cuts in other divisions, Meta is ramping up recruitment for AI and other high-priority tech roles. A separate internal memo from Peng Fan, VP of Engineering for Monetisation, revealed that Meta plans to fast-track hiring for machine learning engineers and other critical engineering positions between February 11 and March 13.
- With inputs from agencies
