Meta Platforms is set to execute its widely anticipated company-wide layoffs next week while simultaneously ramping up hiring for machine learning engineers to align with its strategic priorities for 2025. According to internal memos obtained by Reuters, notices will be sent to affected employees beginning at 5 a.m. local time on Monday, February 12, in most countries, including the United States. However, workers in Germany, France, Italy, and the Netherlands will be exempt from the cuts due to stringent local labor regulations. Employees across more than a dozen other countries in Europe, Asia, and Africa will receive their notifications between February 11 and February 18.
The layoffs, described as "performance terminations" by Meta's Head of People, Janelle Gale, are part of the company's previously announced plan to cut approximately 5% of its workforce, specifically targeting what it has labeled as "lowest performers." Meta had confirmed last month that it intended to backfill at least some of the eliminated positions with new hires in key areas. Unlike its previous large-scale layoffs in 2022 and 2023, which saw significant operational disruptions, Meta will keep its offices open on Monday and will not issue any company-wide updates about the decisions beyond individual notifications.
Meanwhile, Meta is accelerating recruitment efforts in artificial intelligence and machine learning, underscoring the company's aggressive pivot towards AI-driven innovation. In a separate internal memo, Peng Fan, Meta’s Vice President of Engineering for Monetization, urged staff to support an expedited hiring process for machine learning engineers and other "business-critical" technical roles. This specialized hiring drive will take place between February 11 and March 13, reflecting Meta’s increasing emphasis on AI-driven advertising, automation, and content moderation.
These moves signal Meta’s continued focus on streamlining operations while doubling down on AI and machine learning, areas that CEO Mark Zuckerberg has previously highlighted as the company’s next big frontier. In recent years, Meta has faced growing pressure to optimize costs while keeping pace with competitors like Google and OpenAI, both of which have made significant AI breakthroughs. The company's decision to simultaneously lay off employees while aggressively hiring in AI suggests a strategic shift toward prioritizing technical innovation over other business functions.
Meta has not officially commented on the internal memos, but the developments indicate a significant restructuring effort. Employees and analysts alike are watching closely to see how the company navigates this latest round of workforce adjustments while maintaining its position at the forefront of AI-driven technology.
