Meta is set to eliminate approximately 10 percent of its workforce, affecting 8,000 employees, as part of a broader strategy to enhance its focus on artificial intelligence. This announcement follows a memo from Janelle Gale, the head of HR, who indicated that the company is also transitioning 7,000 workers into new AI-centric roles within the organization.
On May 20, employees were instructed to work from home while awaiting updates about their new positions. The restructuring aims to create four new teams dedicated to developing innovative AI tools and applications, which will utilize streamlined management structures to increase productivity.
In addition to the layoffs, Meta plans to close 6,000 positions that are currently open. This move aligns with Meta's shift away from its metaverse initiatives towards substantial investments in AI technologies, which CEO Mark Zuckerberg emphasized during an investor meeting, indicating an anticipated spending of between $115 billion and $135 billion this year on AI development. The company, which had about 78,000 employees at the end of 2025, is working to optimize its operations in light of ongoing trends in the tech industry.