Meta’s latest job cuts, affecting 600 staff in its AI division, reflect a deepening focus on artificial intelligence and a performance-driven restructuring under Mark Zuckerberg.
Another Wave of Layoffs at Meta
Meta has once again reduced its workforce, this time cutting 600 jobs from its Meta Superintelligence Labs division. The layoffs are part of a larger strategic shift toward artificial intelligence, smart devices, and emerging technologies.
- This round adds to the 3,600 jobs already eliminated in early 2025, making it one of Meta’s most aggressive restructuring efforts to date.
- The move affects about 5% of Meta’s global workforce, echoing similar tech-sector cutbacks this year.
Zuckerberg’s Memo: Raising the Bar on Performance
In a company-wide email sent earlier this year, CEO Mark Zuckerberg signaled a tougher performance culture and outlined a long-term shift toward AI-first initiatives.
- He described 2025 as an “intense year,” stating that performance-based exits would be expedited.
- “We’re going to do more extensive performance-based cuts during this cycle,” Zuckerberg noted, citing the need to act faster on underperformance.
- He reaffirmed Meta’s commitment to AI, smart glasses, and “the future of social media.”
Performance Reviews as a Tool for Downsizing
Meta’s multi-stage layoff process used performance reviews to identify targets for reduction. Notably:
- Managers were instructed to label 15–20% of large teams as “below expectations” by mid-year.
- Even some employees who were rated “At or Above Expectations” in 2024 were let go, leading to internal backlash.
- The aim, as internal memos described, was to “make exit decisions” with strategic clarity.
Meta Superintelligence Labs: Why It Was Targeted
The Superintelligence Labs division—focused on developing AI technologies—was the hardest hit just before the holidays.
- After a $15 billion investment in Scale AI and the appointment of Scale CEO Alexandr Wang as Meta’s Chief AI Officer, the company began realigning its AI leadership and teams.
- In a memo, Wang said, “Fewer conversations will be required to make a decision… each person will be more load-bearing and have more scope and impact.”
- The restructuring reflects a move toward leaner AI development teams with faster decision-making capabilities.
Meta Supports Reassignment for Affected Employees
Despite the layoffs, Meta has made efforts to reassign impacted staff:
- Wang stated the company is “supporting the majority of those impacted in finding new roles at the company.”
- This internal relocation effort is part of Meta’s broader strategy to retain AI talent, even while trimming team sizes.
Part of a Broader Corporate Trend
Meta’s layoffs mirror a larger wave of downsizing across corporate America in 2025.
- According to Resume.org, 39% of companies have already conducted layoffs this year.
- Another 35% expect further reductions before year’s end.
- Companies are increasingly prioritizing automation, efficiency, and AI investment over headcount growth.
Meta’s latest layoffs hit 600 employees in its Superintelligence Labs division, part of a broader AI-focused restructuring and performance-driven culture under CEO Mark Zuckerberg. The move reflects a tech-wide shift toward leaner teams, faster innovation, and AI-powered growth.
