What you need to know
- Meta reportedly chopped a staggering 8,000 members of its workforce today (May 20), as it seemingly looks to chase AI even more.
- Another report says Meta’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, has started informing what remains of his employees that he “does not expect more layoffs this year.”
- Meta has had a long history is letting go its staff in massive chunks, whether that be for “efficiency” or to “better align with its goals.”
In what’s become an unsightly trend, Meta has reportedly laid off another massive chunk of its workforce.
It’s been reported today (May 20) by the New York Post that Meta has laid off 8,000 more employees. The publication states Meta’s latest layoffs will take place in “three massive waves.” Meta has been notifying employees that they’ve been let go via emails sent out (and received) at 4 AM in their respective time zones globally. What makes matters worse is that the publication states employees already knew the end was coming.
Meta reportedly informed its staff last month that a “10% reduction” in its workforce was looming for May—now it’s here. The New York Post points out that this did nothing for morale, as people became frantic, unsure if they’d be out of a job in a month, courtesy of the San Francisco Standard. It appears that Meta is doing this as it drastically shifts its focus to AI development.
Reuters got involved, highlighting an exclusive it received, which claims that Meta’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, told what remains of his employees that he “does not expect more layoffs this year.” He added, “…we haven’t been as clear as we aspire to be in our communication, and that’s one area I want to make sure we improve.”
Employees have not taken too kindly to this, with many not offering up their faith in the CEO’s words today. Reports also highlight that while 8,000 employees have been let go today, Meta is seemingly poised to “restructure” another 7,000 to AI-focused positions.
Morale is low
Going back to how negative Meta employees have been feeling lately, this has been written in the stars for a while. Android Central’s Nicholas Sutrich found a report by Fast Company, suggesting Meta’s employees aren’t too pleased with AI or the layoffs. The publication highlights that there’s been a sharp increase in negative posts over Meta’s overwhelming AI push on the workplace forum, Blind. Meta has certainly been pushing for AI, and its Q1 earnings report tells the story.
While the company posted a $56.31 billion in revenue (a 33% year-over-year increase), its spending also shot up to $33 billion from January 1 to March 31, 2026. Senior analyst at Investing.com, Jesse Cohen, states, “Meta’s earnings beat was overshadowed by the Capex surprise. Investors are digesting the reality that Meta’s ambitious AI ambitions come with a hefty price tag that will pressure profitability in the near term.”
This has not been the only time that Meta has delivered a gut punch to its staff. Late in 2024, it cut employees (to “align with its goals”), which came a year after 10,000 were lost due to its “Year of Efficiency.” In 2022, the company let go of around 11,000 employees. In 2026, the company dropped 1,500 people involved in its Reality Labs.
Android Central’s Take
I’d like to take a moment to echo what Mark Zuckerberg reportedly said to employees earlier today: “I want to be clear that we do not expect other company-wide layoffs this year” (thanks, Reuters). I can say all that I want to say about this, but it’s the people working there—the people—who are raising their voices, trying to be heard. Unfortunately, it seems their cries are falling on deaf ears, as Meta will do what it will when it comes to laying people off for “efficiency” or to “better align” with its goals.