Meta has started cutting jobs across several departments, including WhatsApp, Instagram, and Reality Labs. Unlike the large-scale layoffs the company has done in the past, these latest reductions are part of internal team reorganisations rather than a mass company-wide layoff. According to sources familiar with the situation, these smaller layoffs aim to align resources with Meta’s long-term goals.
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Some affected Meta employees have already taken to social media to share the news of their job losses. Jane Manchun Wong, known for leaking unannounced app features before joining Meta’s Threads team in 2023, has confirmed being laid off.
Meta addresses its latest job cuts
Meta’s spokesperson, Dave Arnold, explained the reasoning behind the company’s latest round of job cuts in a statement shared with The Verge. He 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 employees to different roles. In situations like this, when a role is eliminated, we work hard to find other opportunities for impacted employees.”
The decision to cut jobs comes as Meta continues to restructure in line with its broader business objectives. Moving certain teams and shifting employees between roles is part of Meta’s approach to balancing their workforce while focusing on strategic priorities. For some, this has meant that their positions have been eliminated, but the company has expressed its commitment to supporting affected workers by finding other roles for them where possible.
Cuts follow earlier reductions in Reality Labs
This isn’t the first time Meta has implemented job cuts this year. Earlier in 2024, the company’s Reality Labs division, which focuses on Meta’s virtual and augmented reality projects, saw a wave of layoffs. These recent reductions are the latest in many recent workforce cuts Meta has undertaken.
In 2022, Meta cut 11,000 jobs following an overestimation of its growth in the aftermath of the Covid pandemic. At the time, the company had been optimistic about its expansion and invested heavily in its workforce. However, this misjudgment led to significant layoffs as the company recalibrated its strategy.
By 2023, CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced what he called Meta’s “year of efficiency,” aimed at streamlining operations. This move resulted in an additional 10,000 job cuts, signalling a shift towards a leaner and more focused organisation. Meta’s current workforce reductions extend this ongoing efficiency drive, ensuring that teams are strategically positioned for future growth and innovation.
Despite these challenges, Meta remains a dominant force in the tech industry, with its products used by billions globally. The company will likely continue adjusting its workforce and strategies as it navigates the complexities of the ever-evolving digital landscape.
