Meta layoffs begin: 8,000 employees to be cut in latest round

Meta has begun its latest round of layoffs, eliminating approximately 8,000 employees—roughly 10% of its global workforce of about 78,000—according to internal reports. Employee notifications were issued in three waves at 4 a.m. local time on May 20 across different regions, as confirmed by an internal memo from Meta HR chief Janelle Gale to an employee resource group. The company is redirecting resources toward multi-billion-dollar investments in artificial intelligence, with plans to shift over 7,000 staff into AI-focused initiatives. Severance packages for U.S. employees include 16 weeks of base pay, plus an additional two weeks for each year of service, along with 18 months of healthcare coverage for themselves and their families. Similar benefits will apply to employees outside the U.S., adjusted according to local regulations. Meta executives have indicated that further layoffs are not ruled out beyond this round. The company’s restructuring reflects a broader trend in the tech industry, where over 108,000 jobs have been cut in 2026 alone. Recent reductions include 4,000 jobs at Cisco, 4,760 roles at PayPal, and 1,100 employees at Cloudflare, according to layoff tracker Layoffs.fyi. Other companies, such as LinkedIn, Ticketmaster, ZoomInfo, Adda247, Bill.com, Arctic Wolf, Upwork, and Truecaller, have also announced workforce reductions in recent weeks. Industry analysts attribute these cuts to companies reallocating capital toward AI infrastructure, automation, and high-growth technology segments. The layoffs come as Meta continues to emphasize AI as a key priority, despite the significant workforce reduction. The company’s move underscores the competitive pressure in the tech sector to adapt quickly to emerging technologies while managing financial constraints.