Meta Announces Massive Layoffs: 10% of Global Workforce Affected Starting May 20
Meta Platforms has announced plans to conduct sweeping layoffs starting May 20, 2026. Approximately 8,000 employees—representing 10% of its global workforce—are expected to be affected in the initial wave. According to sources familiar with the plans, additional job cuts are planned for later in 2026, though the timing and scale of the second wave have not been finalized.
This marks Meta’s most significant workforce reduction since its “year of efficiency” restructuring in 2022-2023, when the company eliminated approximately 21,000 positions. However, unlike that period when Meta’s stock was struggling, the company is currently in a strong financial position, having generated over $200 billion in revenue and $60 billion in profit last year.
The restructuring is closely tied to Meta’s aggressive push into artificial intelligence. CEO Mark Zuckerberg is investing hundreds of billions of dollars into AI as the company seeks to reshape its operations around the technology. Executives envision a future with fewer management layers and greater efficiency brought about by AI-assisted workers. Some employees will also be transferred to Meta Small Business, a unit established last month as part of the restructuring.
As of December 31, 2025, Meta employed nearly 79,000 people. The company’s shares are up 3.68% year-to-date, though down from record highs achieved last summer.
Source: Manila Times