New Delhi:
Meta Platforms is preparing to lay off nearly 10% of its workforce, affecting around 8,000 employees, as part of a major organisational restructuring scheduled for May 20. The move comes amid escalating investments in artificial intelligence (AI) and broader cost-management efforts.
According to an internal memo cited in reports, employees who are impacted by the layoffs will receive termination letters through both their work and personal email accounts on the specified date.
Internal Memo Explains Decision Behind Layoffs
In the memo, Janelle Gale, Chief People Officer at Meta, acknowledged the uncertainty the announcement may create among employees and explained that the decision followed weeks of internal deliberations.
“Over the last few weeks we have been working on some changes to our organization that will result in us laying off around 10% of the company on May 20, and closing about 6,000 open roles,” the memo stated.
Gale added that while the company usually finalises more details before communicating such changes widely, the information had already leaked, prompting leadership to address employees directly.
She described the announcement as “unwelcome news” and acknowledged that confirming the layoffs may leave staff feeling uneasy. However, the company believes the move represents the best path forward given current circumstances.
Severance Package Details For US Employees
Meta has outlined a preliminary severance package for employees based in the United States, describing it as “generous.”
According to the memo:
- Employees will receive 16 weeks of base pay
- An additional two weeks of pay for every year of service will be provided
- The company will cover COBRA healthcare coverage costs for affected employees and their families for 18 months
These benefits are intended to help employees transition while seeking new opportunities.
Support For International Employees
For employees outside the United States, Meta stated that severance packages will follow a similar structure but will vary depending on local labour laws and country-specific policies.
The company also confirmed additional support measures, including:
- Career placement and job-search assistance
- Immigration support for employees who require visa-related help
- Further country-specific details to be shared before May 20
Gale noted that more information would be provided through internal communications as planning progresses.
Thousands Of Open Roles Also To Be Closed
In addition to job cuts, Meta will shut down approximately 6,000 open job positions, signalling a slowdown in hiring as the company restructures its workforce priorities.
The layoffs come at a time when Meta continues to invest heavily in artificial intelligence technologies, infrastructure, and related product development—areas that have significantly increased operational costs.
Employees Face Weeks Of Uncertainty Ahead Of Layoffs
The memo acknowledged that employees will face nearly a month of uncertainty before the layoffs are formally implemented.
“I know this leaves everyone with nearly a month of ambiguity which is incredibly unsettling,” Gale wrote, assuring staff that the company would attempt to address questions through internal platforms.
Employees have been directed to access the company’s People Portal, which includes frequently asked questions and logistical information regarding the layoff process.
Layoffs Reflect Wider Tech Industry Cost Adjustments
Meta’s decision adds to a broader pattern of restructuring across global technology companies as they shift resources toward AI development while controlling operational costs.
The upcoming layoffs highlight the growing financial pressures linked to large-scale investments in next-generation technologies, particularly artificial intelligence systems that require massive computing infrastructure and talent realignment.