On February 11, 2025, Meta Platforms, the owner of Facebook, confirmed that its job cuts targeting “low performers” began on Monday. This decision affects thousands of employees globally, as the company aims to exit approximately 5% of its workforce, which consisted of over 74,000 employees at the end of 2024.
- Meta begins job cuts for low performers
- Approximately 3,700 employees affected globally
- Job cuts coincide with AI investment push
- Planned capital expenditures of $60-65 billion
- Previous layoffs impacted Bay Area workers
- Permanent job cuts noted in WARN letters
A spokesperson for Meta stated that these performance-related terminations were initially announced in mid-January. The total number of affected employees is estimated to be around 3,700 worldwide, although the specific impact on the Bay Area workforce remains unclear.
Meta Platforms has been undergoing a significant transformation, including a commitment to invest heavily in artificial intelligence. The company plans to allocate between $60 billion and $65 billion in capital expenditures in 2025 to support its core business and generative AI initiatives. This strategic shift comes as the company continues to streamline operations by reducing its workforce.
In previous rounds of layoffs, Meta disclosed plans to eliminate nearly 5,200 jobs in the Bay Area, affecting locations such as Menlo Park, San Francisco, Burlingame, Sunnyvale, and Fremont. These job cuts were described as permanent, highlighting the company’s ongoing adjustments in response to market conditions.
As Meta navigates these changes, it is also expanding its presence in new markets, particularly in artificial intelligence. The company is focusing on developing advanced technologies while managing its operational costs through workforce reductions. The combination of layoffs and investments in AI reflects Meta’s dual strategy to remain competitive in the evolving tech landscape.
In summary, Meta Platforms is executing a significant workforce reduction aimed at low performers while simultaneously investing heavily in artificial intelligence. This dual approach underscores the company’s efforts to remain competitive and innovative in a rapidly changing industry.