Meta announces wave of further layoffs – up to 8,000 jobs to go by year’s end
The relentless restructuring at Meta continues, with the company poised to eliminate another substantial chunk of its workforce – potentially as many as 8,000 employees – in the coming months.
A second wave of cuts looming
Following a previously announced initial layoff of up to 8,000 positions slated for May 20th, Reuters reports that this is merely the beginning of a sustained period of downsizing. Meta is bracing for a second wave of reductions, anticipated in the second half of 2026, driven by an unpredictable trajectory in the development of Artificial Intelligence.
The exact timing and scale of this subsequent reduction remain shrouded in uncertainty. Sources indicate a deliberate opacity surrounding the plan, linked to the ongoing, and frankly bewildering, evolution of AI’s capabilities and impact on the company’s strategic direction. Frankly, no one truly knows how much AI will accelerate its adoption, and therefore, how many roles will become obsolete.
Ai's unpredictable impact
Previous workforce reductions, totaling approximately 20% of Meta’s global headcount – a staggering 153,000 employees in 2024 alone – underscore the precariousness of the situation. The current hesitancy to publicly commit to a specific number for the next round of layoffs reflects a fundamental uncertainty about the future of the company’s operations.
Amazon, meanwhile, has already undergone a significant reduction of 30,000 corporate positions – roughly 10% of its white-collar workforce – demonstrating a broader trend within the tech sector. Over 73,000 employees have been let go so far this year, a sobering statistic that highlights the dramatic shifts occurring across the industry.
Adding a layer of complexity, Meta is reportedly developing an AI-powered digital replica of its CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, intended to foster a stronger connection between leadership and its employees. This ambitious project, fueled by Zuckerberg’s direct involvement, hints at a strategic pivot toward AI-driven tools, moving away from earlier metaverse-centric ambitions. It’s a move some are describing, rather darkly, as “a glimpse into hell.”
The bottom line
While Zuckerberg’s pursuit of AI innovation continues, competitors aren't standing still. The sheer scale of the job losses—over 226,000 so far this year—serves as a stark reminder of the turbulent times gripping the tech landscape. Meta’s continued adjustments will undoubtedly ripple through the industry, demanding a fundamental reassessment of skills and priorities.