Meta Platforms Inc. is preparing to implement companywide layoffs starting Wednesday, part of a broader initiative to restructure its teams and enhance efficiency under the leadership of founder Mark Zuckerberg.
According to a memo obtained by Bloomberg News, managers have been instructed to brace for job reductions on Wednesday, affecting various divisions including Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Reality Labs, which focuses on virtual reality and the Quest hardware. This move contributes to a cost-cutting strategy that aims to eliminate approximately 10,000 jobs, a plan initially disclosed by Zuckerberg in March, with another round of cuts expected in May.
Previously, Meta reduced its workforce by around 13 percent, translating to about 11,000 positions, in November. The company also instituted a hiring freeze that will extend through the first quarter of the year, aligning with similar job and cost reduction measures being undertaken by other tech firms in Silicon Valley. Zuckerberg has indicated a desire for the company to operate with a leaner structure, adjusting the ratio of technologists and engineers to business and administrative personnel.
The memo to managers highlights plans for team reorganization, with some employees being reassigned to work under new supervisors.
In an effort to allow employees to process the impending changes, all North American staff who have the ability to work remotely will be asked to do so on Wednesday, according to the memo.
A spokesperson for the company did not provide additional comments, referencing Zuckerberg’s “year of efficiency” post from March, which outlined expectations for restructuring and layoffs, first within the technology groups and later for the business groups.
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