Meta’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg initially claimed that only low-performing employees would be affected by the company’s recent layoffs. However, laid-off workers are now sharing that they received positive performance reviews and were let go anyway.
In mid-January, Zuckerberg stated his plan to “raise the bar on performance management” and move out low performers faster, with a goal of cutting about 5% of its workforce. He described this process as more extensive than usual, focusing on people who are not meeting expectations over the course of a year.
But some Meta employees claim they received favorable reviews and were among those affected by the layoffs. Kaila Curry, an ex-content manager at Meta, stated that she was laid off despite receiving an “exceeds expectations” rating on her midyear review. She expressed surprise at being let go, as she had frequently asked for feedback and was told she was doing a good job.
Another former employee, Steven S., said the company’s assertion that it is cutting dead wood is incorrect. He believed the label of low performer is misleading and may not apply to everyone.
It is unclear what Meta defines as a “low performer.” The company has declined to comment on this matter.
Some affected employees described feeling stigmatized by being labeled as underperformers, with one saying they wish they could leave with their dignity intact. Others questioned why they were let go without clear explanation.
The layoffs come after Zuckerberg’s declaration of a “year of efficiency” in 2023, when the company announced plans to eliminate 10,000 jobs. This latest round of layoffs was intended to be different, but it remains unclear whether this approach will lead to more efficient operations or create further uncertainty for employees.
Source: https://fortune.com/2025/02/11/mark-zuckerberg-meta-layoffs-low-performers