Meta Platforms Inc. (META) has confirmed that it has implemented layoffs across several of its teams, including Instagram, WhatsApp, and Reality Labs. These changes, announced on Wednesday, are part of a strategic reallocation of resources to align with Meta’s long-term goals. The company has stated that this is a continuation of its “Year of Efficiency” initiative, a significant shift in its operational model that began last year.
This news comes at a time when Meta is facing several challenges, including lawsuits filed by U.S. states alleging that the company’s platforms contribute to mental health issues among teenagers by being addictive.
One notable figure impacted by the layoffs is Jane Manchun Wong, a software engineer who joined the Threads team in 2023. Wong took to social media to share the news, stating that her role at Meta had been impacted.
Other former Meta employees have also announced their layoffs on social media, including individuals who previously worked on Facebook, recruiting, legal operations, and design. While Meta has confirmed that Threads, recruiting, and legal operations were not impacted by the reorganization, the company has not disclosed the exact number of employees affected or the specific departments involved.
Meta’s decision to streamline its operations is a direct result of the company’s ongoing commitment to its ‘Year of Efficiency,’ an initiative that began as a temporary measure but has now become a permanent part of Meta’s strategic direction. CEO Mark Zuckerberg has been spearheading this shift, focusing on more efficient operational models and leading to significant changes within the company.
In February, Zuckerberg spoke about the previous layoffs, stating, “It was really tough, we parted with a lot of talented people we cared about, but in some ways actually becoming leaner kind of makes the company more effective.”
This latest round of layoffs follows similar actions taken by Meta in 2022, when the company laid off approximately 13% of its workforce. Last year, an additional 10,000 employees were let go, and 5,000 open roles were withdrawn.
These layoffs highlight Meta’s commitment to adapting its business model to navigate a rapidly evolving digital landscape. It remains to be seen how these changes will impact the company’s long-term strategy and performance.
