Meta is about to have a big layoff in many countries

Meta is said to be making major layoffs earlier this week across multiple countries, while also accelerating hiring for machine learning engineers.

The layoffs will take place between February 11 and 18, according to an internal memo from Meta's head of human resources, Janelle Gale, seen by Reuters. Affected employees will be notified at 5 a.m. local time.

Gale said this is being done in offices in more than 10 different countries, including Europe, Asia, Africa and the US. Employees in some markets such as Germany, France, Italy and the Netherlands will be exempted "due to local regulations".

The new round of layoffs will be different from some of the previous large-scale cuts, as offices will remain open, according to the leaked documents, and the company did not share details about its decision.

Meta has not commented yet.

Meta is about to have a big layoff in many countries Picture 1 Meta is about to have a big layoff in many countries Picture 1

Meta logo at an innovation event in Hanoi, October 2024. Photo: Luu Quy

Last month, Facebook's parent company also confirmed information about widespread staff adjustments, with the goal of reducing 5% of "lowest performing" employees, while filling vacant positions. According to Meta's announcement, as of September 2024, the company has more than 72,000 employees globally.

Additionally, another internal document was leaked, in which Meta Vice President Peng Fan requested to accelerate the recruitment of machine learning engineer positions, an important part of AI product development, as well as technical positions that are important to the business.

Earlier, according to an internal memo obtained by Business Insider, Zuckerberg said he had "decided to raise performance management standards" and that the quick layoffs were aimed at "removing poor performers." In a subsequent Workplace post, the Meta chief said he would make "more sweeping cuts" during this year's performance review cycle. Those laid off will be notified on February 10.

In January, Zuckerberg also assessed that AI is getting more powerful and has a high possibility of doing the work of mid-level engineers in the company this year. "Maybe in 2025, Meta and other companies are working on this problem," he said.

Meta had an 'efficiency year' in late 2022 and early 2023, laying off more than 20,000 employees in two waves. The company spent more than $3.5 billion to downsize, including $2.5 billion on facility consolidation, which means closing and streamlining offices, and $1 billion on 'severance and other personnel costs.' According to Zuckerberg at the time, the strategy helped the company meet its 2023 goals of 16% revenue growth and 69% profit growth.