ACCORDING to ABS-CBN: Meta will lay off 3,600 employees in performance-based cuts
Meta, the tech giant behind Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is set to dismiss around 3,600 employees as part of a performance-based restructuring plan. According to an internal memo reported by Bloomberg, this decision comes as CEO Mark Zuckerberg aims to elevate the company’s workforce standards by removing low-performing employees and bringing in new talent. The move will impact approximately 5% of Meta’s workforce, which totaled 72,400 employees as of September.
In a statement, Zuckerberg emphasized the need to “raise the bar on performance management” and to expedite the process of transitioning low-performing employees out of the company. “I’ve decided to raise the bar on performance management and move out low-performers faster,” he said, underscoring his goal to maintain a workforce comprised of the “strongest talent” while also creating opportunities for new hires.
Performance-based dismissals have become a common practice among major U.S. corporations. Microsoft, another tech industry leader, recently announced similar cuts, affecting less than 1% of its workforce, as reported by Business Insider.
These layoffs at Meta come amidst significant changes within the company, reflecting both internal and external shifts. The timing aligns with growing speculation about Meta’s alignment with conservative political ideologies and figures. Over the past year, Zuckerberg has taken steps that appear to resonate with conservative agendas, including meetings with former President Donald Trump and the nomination of a Republican as Meta’s head of public affairs.
One of the most notable changes was last week’s announcement to terminate Meta’s U.S. fact-checking program, a move criticized by some for undermining efforts to combat misinformation. The program had previously faced backlash from conservative voices who argued it was a form of censorship. Under a revised system, Meta plans to adopt a community-driven approach, allowing users to add context to posts. This model mirrors features already in place on X (formerly Twitter), under the ownership of Elon Musk.
Meta’s evolving approach to content moderation also signals a broader ideological shift. The company has scaled back diversity initiatives and relaxed content moderation policies on its platforms. Critics have pointed out that this shift appears to provide more leeway for certain types of hostile speech, which were previously subject to stricter enforcement.
As Meta navigates these changes, it remains to be seen how the company’s restructuring and policy adjustments will impact its long-term growth and reputation. By focusing on high-performance employees and adapting its platform policies, Zuckerberg appears to be positioning Meta for a future shaped by both technological innovation and shifting political landscapes.
While the layoffs may lead to short-term disruptions, Meta’s leadership maintains that these measures are essential for fostering a stronger and more competitive workforce. However, critics argue that such performance-based cuts could create a culture of fear among employees, potentially stifling creativity and innovation in the process.
As Zuckerberg doubles down on his vision for a leaner and more agile company, stakeholders will closely monitor Meta’s ability to balance workforce efficiency with its broader social responsibilities. Whether these changes strengthen the company’s position in the tech industry or lead to unforeseen challenges, Meta’s next steps will undoubtedly shape the future of its platforms and the millions of users who rely on them daily.
