Meta confirms layoffs across multiple teams

Meta's Reality Labs, Instagram and WhatsApp all affected

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Meta confirms further staff cuts

Meta has confirmed a fresh wave of layoffs across several teams, as part of ongoing efforts to reallocate resources.

In a statement toTech Crunch, a Meta spokesperson said: “Today, a few teams at Meta are making changes to ensure resources are aligned with their long-term strategic goals and location strategy. This includes moving some teams to different locations and transitioning some employees to new roles. For roles that have been eliminated, we work hard to find other opportunities for impacted employees.”

The layoffs, which have affected employees in Meta's Reality Labs, Instagram, and WhatsApp divisions, were first reported by The Verge. Notable figures impacted include Jane Manchun Wong, a software engineer hired in 2023, known for uncovering unannounced features in Meta apps. Her recruitment was previously praised by Meta’s CTO, Andrew Bosworth, and Instagram head, Adam Mosseri.

Several other employees, including those from Facebook, recruiting, legal operations, and design, shared their experiences of being laid off on social media. Despite these losses, a Meta spokesperson confirmed that Threads, recruiting, and legal operations were not part of the reorganisation.

Although Meta declined to provide the total number of employees affected, sources suggest that some staff were offered alternative roles with new contracts or the option of taking a severance package. Many reportedly opted for the latter, with some receiving six weeks' pay.

This marks the latest round of layoffs at Meta, which has been downsizing its workforce following rapid expansion during the pandemic. In 2022, the company cut 13% of its workforce, approximately 11,000 employees, with CEO Mark Zuckerberg taking personal responsibility. A further 10,000 jobs were slashed in 2023, along with the withdrawal of 5,000 unfilled positions.

Meta's restructuring efforts are set to continue as the company realigns its resources towards its long-term objectives.