Thousands of employees at Meta woke up to a difficult message this week as the company began laying off nearly 8,000 workers worldwide as part of its major AI-focused restructuring.
According to reports, affected employees received emails around 4 am informing them that their roles had been eliminated. The message reportedly stated: “Unfortunately, your role has been eliminated as part of today’s reorganisation.”
Employees told to collect belongings and leave
The layoff email also instructed employees already present at office campuses to gather personal belongings and return home immediately.
Meta reportedly deactivated employee badges and removed access to internal systems shortly after the notices were sent. Workers were then redirected to the company’s Alumni Portal for details regarding severance packages, healthcare, immigration support and job assistance.
The company described the layoffs as part of efforts to “run the company more efficiently” while increasing investments in artificial intelligence infrastructure and AI-focused teams.
Zuckerberg says he ‘feels the weight’
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg later acknowledged the emotional impact of the decision in a memo to employees.
Reports suggest Meta will provide severance packages including 16 weeks of base pay along with additional compensation based on years of service. Health insurance support and job placement assistance have also reportedly been offered.
The restructuring marks one of Meta’s biggest workforce changes since the company’s earlier “Year of Efficiency” layoffs. Industry observers say the move reflects how major technology companies are rapidly reshaping operations around AI-driven growth. offices as the company cuts nearly 8,000 jobs amid AI restructuring.