Meta is set to cut around 5% of its workforce, approximately 3,600 people, in the Bay Area next month. According to internal memos, CEO Mark Zuckerberg has decided to “raise the bar on performance management” and move out low-performers faster, rather than over the course of the year.
Zuckerberg’s memo to staff emphasizes the importance of having the best people on his teams and claims that the changes will ultimately make Meta’s products better. The employees who lose their jobs will receive generous severance packages and be notified in early February.
The job cuts are a significant move for the Bay Area, where Meta has a large presence with offices in Menlo Park, San Francisco, Burlingame, Sausalito, Fremont, and Sunnyvale. While this is not the first round of layoffs at Meta, these latest cuts are distinct from previous rounds as they focus on individual workers’ contributions.
The company’s recent moves to address content management have also sparked controversy among employees, with some reportedly “furious” about changes to its policies. Despite the backlash, Zuckerberg remains optimistic about the future of his platforms and claims that the changes will make them better for users.
Meta’s workforce is spread across dozens of cities, but the staff changes are likely to hit the Bay Area hard. The company plans to backfill the roles within the year, suggesting a significant investment in its remaining workforce.
Source: https://www.sfgate.com/tech/article/meta-job-cuts-low-performers-20034293.php