Meta is scaling back its workforce for the second time in recent months, with the company announcing plans to cut approximately 10% of its total employees. The decision follows an internal memo from Janelle Gale, Meta’s head of human resources, who framed the move as part of an ongoing effort to "run the company more efficiently."
According to a report from Bloomberg, the cuts will directly affect around 8,000 current employees and eliminate roughly 6,000 open positions. Gale’s memo also referenced the company’s broader investment strategy, particularly in artificial intelligence, which appears to be a key driver behind the restructuring. Meta has been rapidly expanding its AI capabilities, including the development of proprietary models and the integration of AI into products like its smart glasses.
The latest workforce reduction is not an isolated event. Earlier this year, reports suggested Meta was considering a workforce cut of up to 20%, though no specific timeline was provided at the time. In alignment with those discussions, Meta has already implemented significant changes, particularly within its Reality Labs division. The company has also streamlined its metaverse operations, closing three VR studios at the beginning of 2026 to refocus resources.
Meta’s leadership has framed these adjustments as necessary steps to ensure long-term competitiveness and innovation. By reducing operational overhead, the company aims to free up capital for strategic investments, including AI research and development. However, the cumulative impact of these cuts raises questions about the company’s near-term priorities and the balance between cost-cutting and growth initiatives.
As Meta continues to navigate these changes, the broader tech industry will be watching closely to see how the company’s focus on AI and efficiency shapes its future trajectory. The decisions made today could redefine Meta’s role in the evolving digital landscape, particularly as competition in artificial intelligence intensifies.
AI summary
Meta is reducing its workforce by 10%, cutting 8,000 jobs and 6,000 open roles to prioritize AI investments and operational efficiency.
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