Meta layoffs begin as AI reshuffle accelerates

Meta is preparing to cut 10 per cent of its workforce on Wednesday, with around 8,000 roles expected to be affected as the company redirects resources toward artificial intelligence.

Business Insider reports Meta HR chief Janelle Gale told staff the layoff notifications would be sent in three waves at 4am local time across different regions. The cuts are expected to coincide with organisational changes across the business.

What is changing at Meta?

Gale reportedly told employees that managerial roles would be cut as Meta moves toward flatter structures across several teams.

“We’re now at the stage where many orgs can operate with a flatter structure,” Gale wrote, according to the report.

The company will also move more than 7,000 employees into new AI initiatives. Gale said these projects are important to Meta’s future and had not previously been prioritised at scale.

AI investment drives restructure

The restructure comes as Meta increases its spending in the global AI race. In April, the company forecast 2026 capital expenditure of between $125 billion and $145 billion.

The move places Meta among several major technology companies reshaping their workforces around AI, with employees facing both role cuts and internal transfers.

Meta declined to comment to Business Insider. Reuters has also reported on the internal memo to staff.

Morale under pressure

The planned cuts have weighed on morale inside Meta. One employee told Business Insider staff were “in a holding pattern” as they waited to learn whether their roles would be affected.

Meta leaders have also reportedly told staff they are not ruling out further job cuts beyond Wednesday’s round.

Top image: Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg

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