Approximately 10% of the workforce in Meta's Reality Labs division is set to be affected by upcoming layoffs, as reported by The New York Times. This division, which employs around 15,000 individuals, plays a crucial role in developing technologies related to the “metaverse,” augmented reality, and virtual reality products, including VR headsets.
Meta's total global workforce stands at about 78,000, with Reality Labs accounting for roughly 19% of this number. The layoffs coincide with a strategic shift within the company towards enhancing next-generation artificial intelligence technologies. Employees were urged to attend an all-hands meeting called by Meta's CTO Andrew Bosworth.
Meta has a significant presence in the Seattle area, which serves as a major engineering hub. Previously, the company laid off over 100 employees in Washington state in October 2022 amidst broader cuts in its AI division. In addition, the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries had cited Meta for safety violations at its “Matrix” facility, which was ordered shut down in January 2024.