Meta Platforms Inc. (META) has reportedly taken a tough stance against employee misconduct, firing around 24 employees in Los Angeles for allegedly abusing their meal credit program. The Financial Times reported that these terminations occurred last week, just before Meta announced a restructuring initiative across its major platforms, including WhatsApp, Instagram, and Reality Labs. This restructuring aims to boost efficiency and streamline operations, a move that reflects the company’s current focus on cost-cutting.
Meta provides meal credits to employees working in smaller offices without on-site cafeterias. These credits are meant to cover meals, with a $20 allowance for breakfast and $25 each for lunch and dinner. However, sources revealed that some employees were caught using these credits to buy non-food items like toothpaste and wine glasses. Additionally, some employees pooled their credits together or had meals delivered to their homes, both violations of company policy.
While occasional violations were met with reprimands, the repeated misuse of these credits over a considerable period led to the terminations. An anonymous post on the platform Blind, verified by the Financial Times, revealed that a former Meta employee earning $400,000 admitted to using meal credits for household items and was subsequently fired.
This incident shines a light on Meta’s current approach to managing its workforce, highlighting the company’s commitment to strict enforcement of policies and a focus on cost-effectiveness. It also raises questions about the company’s broader restructuring plans and their potential impact on employee morale and job security. Earlier this year, CEO Mark Zuckerberg explained that the initial wave of layoffs was a response to the rapid expansion during the pandemic. However, the company’s ongoing reorganization suggests that these efficiency measures are becoming a permanent fixture in Meta’s operations.
The company’s recent actions have created an atmosphere of uncertainty among employees, with many fearing potential layoffs. This event serves as a stark reminder of the evolving landscape in the tech industry, where companies are prioritizing efficiency and cost-optimization in a competitive market.