Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, recently announced a significant workforce reduction, cutting approximately 3,600 jobs—roughly 5% of its employees. The move, outlined in an internal memo from CEO Mark Zuckerberg, signals a shift toward a more stringent performance-based evaluation system.
According to Zuckerberg, the layoffs are part of a broader effort to refine performance management and expedite the removal of underperforming employees. Historically, Meta has managed out employees who failed to meet expectations over an extended period. However, the company is now opting for a more aggressive approach, conducting extensive performance-based cuts in a shorter timeframe.
Despite the layoffs, Meta intends to replenish its workforce by hiring new employees yearly. This strategy aligns with the company’s ongoing investment in artificial intelligence, augmented reality smart glasses, and the future evolution of social media.
While Meta framed the job cuts as targeting underperformers, several laid-off employees have expressed surprise and frustration. Some former staff members revealed they had recently received positive performance reviews, only to find their ratings downgraded before termination. Reports indicate that employees rated “At or Above Expectations” in mid-year evaluations were later reclassified as “Meets Most,” a lower-tier rating suggesting they had fallen short of expectations in certain areas.
In interviews, former employees described feeling blindsided by the abrupt decision, especially given assurances from their managers that their positions were secure. This has raised concerns about the transparency of Meta’s performance assessment process and the criteria used to determine layoffs.
In response to these concerns, a Meta spokesperson asserted that performance ratings were not downgraded arbitrarily. They emphasized that a past “meeting expectations” rating does not necessarily indicate continued strong performance. This stance suggests that the company is prioritizing a more dynamic evaluation model to streamline its workforce.
Meta’s workforce reduction is part of a broader trend in the tech sector. Major companies, including Microsoft, Workday, Amazon, and Intel, have also announced layoffs this year. According to data from Layoffs.fyi, 46 tech firms havecollectively laid off over 11,600 employees in 2025 alone.
What sets Meta apart is its rationale for the job cuts. Unlike many corporations that cite cost-cutting measures, Meta has positioned its layoffs as a performance-driven initiative. This approach deviates from recent corporate trends where businesses often justify reductions as financial necessities.
A Resume Builder survey from the previous year revealed that many business leaders utilize layoffs to dismiss employees rather than as a cost-saving strategy. Approximately 80% of executives admitted to leveraging layoffs to remove employees they wanted to fire, with half stating that at least 75% of the terminations in the past year were not tied to financial constraints.
Moreover, 62% of leaders acknowledged disguising performance-related firings as layoffs to maintain company morale, while 59% did so to avoid wrongful termination claims. Only 39% cited concern for employees’ feelings as a motivating factor.
Meta’s latest round of layoffs underscores the shifting landscape of workforce management in the tech industry. As the company continues its push toward innovation in AI and augmented reality, its focus on maintaining a high-performing workforce remains a top priority. However, the backlash from former employees raises critical questions about transparency and fairness in performance evaluations. Moving forward, Meta’s approach to talent management will likely serve as a case study in balancing corporate efficiency with employee trust.
Disclaimer: This information is for general knowledge and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial,investment, or other professional advice.
