Meta to Start Firing 5% of Lowest Performers Next Week: Report
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the tech industry, Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is set to begin its company-wide layoffs next week. According to a report by Reuters, citing internal memos, Meta will start firing about 5% of its “lowest performers” across most countries, including the US, starting from February 11.
This development comes after Meta announced last month that it would be conducting layoffs to reduce its workforce and focus on its core businesses. At the time, the company said it would be letting go of around 5% of its employees, with the plan to backfill some positions.
The layoffs are expected to affect employees across Europe, Asia, and Africa, with notices being sent out between February 11 and February 18. This means that thousands of employees will be receiving pink slips in the coming days, a move that is likely to cause significant disruption to Meta’s operations.
The layoffs are a sign of the challenging times that Meta is facing. The company has been struggling to recover from a series of setbacks, including the decline of its flagship social media platforms and increased competition from newer rivals. In addition, Meta has faced intense scrutiny over issues such as data privacy and misinformation, which has led to a decline in user engagement and advertising revenue.
Despite these challenges, Meta has remained one of the largest and most influential technology companies in the world. With a workforce of over 80,000 employees, the company has a significant presence in many countries around the world. However, the layoffs are a sign that Meta is taking a hard look at its operations and is willing to make tough decisions to stay competitive.
The layoffs are also a sign of the changing landscape of the tech industry. In recent years, many major tech companies have been downsizing their workforces, citing the need to adapt to changing market conditions and reduce costs. This trend is likely to continue in the coming years, as the tech industry faces increased competition and regulatory scrutiny.
The impact of the layoffs on Meta’s employees will be significant. Thousands of employees will be losing their jobs, and many more will be facing uncertainty about their future with the company. The layoffs are also likely to cause disruption to Meta’s operations, as employees are let go and replaced with new hires.
However, the layoffs may also provide an opportunity for Meta to refocus its efforts and prioritize its core businesses. By eliminating underperforming employees and backfilling positions with new hires, Meta may be able to improve its overall performance and competitiveness.
The layoffs are also likely to have a significant impact on the wider tech industry. As one of the largest and most influential technology companies in the world, Meta’s actions will be closely watched by other companies. If Meta is able to successfully implement its layoffs and refocus its efforts, it may set a precedent for other companies to follow suit.
In conclusion, Meta’s decision to start firing 5% of its lowest performers next week is a significant development in the tech industry. The layoffs are a sign of the challenging times that Meta is facing, and the need for the company to adapt to changing market conditions and reduce costs. While the impact of the layoffs on employees will be significant, they may also provide an opportunity for Meta to refocus its efforts and prioritize its core businesses. As the tech industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Meta’s decision plays out and what impact it will have on the wider industry.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/technology/meta-prepares-layoffs-monday-internal-memo-2025-02-07/
