Meta Initiates Layoffs of 8,000 Employees Amid AI Focus

Meta has commenced layoffs affecting about 10% of its workforce, approximately 8,000 employees, as part of a strategic shift towards artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives. Notifications are being sent in three waves at 4 a.m. local time on May 20 across different regions, according to an internal memo from Chief People Officer Janelle Gale.

The company is also freezing 6,000 open positions that had not yet been filled.

In addition to the layoffs, Meta plans to reassign 7,000 employees to new AI-related initiatives and eliminate certain managerial roles to create a flatter organizational structure.

Severance packages for U.S. employees include 16 weeks of base pay, plus two weeks for every year of continuous employment, along with 18 months of healthcare coverage for themselves and their families.

These measures are part of Meta's broader strategy to enhance efficiency and offset investments in AI, with projected capital expenditures for 2026 ranging from $125 billion to $145 billion.

Meta did not immediately respond to requests for comment.