Meta has instructed managers to rank more employees in its “below expectations” performance rating during midyear reviews, which could set the stage for further performance-based cuts. The move follows CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s internal announcement to “move out low-performers” faster.
According to a memo shared on Meta’s internal forum, the company wants managers of teams with 150 or more employees to put 15% to 20% in the bottom bucket compared to last year’s 12% to 15%. This expanded range includes employees who have already left the company due to nonregrettable attrition, such as those who resigned or were dismissed for underperformance.
The midyear review process is intended to be an opportunity for managers to make exit decisions, with no company-wide performance terminations planned. However, leaders are expected to manage the performance of their reports, and employees can be selected for cuts based on a “below expectations” rating in their midyear review or if they were formally disciplined within the past six months.
This move comes after Meta laid off nearly 4,000 employees last year, about 5% of its workforce. The company’s decision to raise performance management standards and eliminate low-performing employees reflects a broader trend in the tech industry to focus on performance while investing in artificial intelligence.
Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/internal-memo-meta-increases-employees-rated-below-expectations-2025-5