Meta to Cut 8,000 Jobs, 10% of Workforce on May 20
Meta will cut roughly 8,000 jobs (10% of its global workforce) in a first round scheduled for May 20, with additional cuts planned later in the year. Executives may adjust timing and scale of future layoffs based on developments in artificial intelligence capabilities as part of a broader efficiency push.
1. Layoff Plans and Timeline
Meta will initiate its first wave of layoffs on May 20, cutting roughly 8,000 positions (10% of its global workforce) and plans additional reductions later in the year with dates and scope tied to advances in AI capabilities.
2. Workforce Impact
The initial round will reduce headcount from about 79,000 employees to approximately 71,000, marking the most significant workforce cut since the 2022-23 restructuring that eliminated around 21,000 jobs.
3. AI-Driven Efficiency Strategy
Leadership is realigning teams into a new Applied AI unit and expects artificial intelligence integration to streamline operations and inform the scale and timing of future layoffs.
4. Financial and Historical Context
Despite heavy AI investment, Meta posted over $200 billion in revenue and $60 billion in profit last year, with shares up about 3.7% year-to-date but still below its record high.