Meta’s Transition to an AI-First Company Sparks Mass Layoffs

Over the past month, employees at Meta have experienced significant uncertainty. In April, they were informed that 8,000 employees, equating to 10% of the workforce, would be laid off on May 20 as the company shifts towards artificial intelligence (AI). Furthermore, another 7,000 staff members learned they would be reassigned to new AI projects.

Layoffs began on Wednesday, starting in Singapore at 4 a.m. local time. Emails informed employees in Singapore, the UK, the US, and other locations about their termination early in the morning in their respective time zones. Many workers, upon receiving the news, exchanged somber messages and checked the internal directory to discern who on their teams was affected. On Meta’s internal forums, employees responded to the layoffs with salad emojis, symbolizing a ‘salute.’ At least one recently hired employee was laid off, according to two individuals familiar with the job cuts.

Meta’s offices were largely vacant on Wednesday. Janelle Gale, the head of human resources, had advised employees to work from home. Fliers opposing Meta’s new program to track employee data for AI training were seen posted on the office walls, according to eight employees. Some workers collected free snacks and laptop chargers, uncertain if they would retain their jobs by the end of the week. These employees requested anonymity due to fear of retaliation.

The disruption at Meta, known for owning Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, provides a close look at layoffs in the context of AI development. Job cuts in tech, justified by the advancement of this rapidly evolving technology, are increasing. Some tech workers find themselves creating their own AI replacements. Recently, companies such as Cisco, Microsoft, Block, and Coinbase have also announced job eliminations or buyouts linked to AI initiatives.