Approximately 8,000 employees have been affected, representing about 10 percent of the company. Meta has reportedly informed thousands of employees about their layoffs as the company seeks to balance its significant investments in AI. An email from Meta’s management, shared by Business Insider, cited a commitment to operating more efficiently and counterbalancing the company’s other investments as reasons for the planned workforce reduction.
In March, reports began to surface regarding Meta’s impending layoffs, with initial estimates suggesting up to 20 percent cuts. However, a recent memo from May now indicates that the layoffs have affected around 8,000 employees, or about 10 percent of Meta’s 78,000-strong workforce.
The layoffs align with Meta’s January forecast that it would allocate $115 billion to $135 billion in capital expenditures in 2026. This expenditure would support Meta Superintelligence Labs and core business initiatives, nearly doubling the $72.22 billion spent in 2025. Business Insider reveals that, in addition to the layoffs, Meta is relocating over 7,000 employees to new AI projects, and Bloomberg reports that 6,000 open positions are being closed.
In a message to affected employees, Meta expressed gratitude for their contributions and emphasized their importance to the company’s story. Many of those affected have posted about their layoffs on LinkedIn, displaying their Meta employee badges and confirming the ongoing cuts. One former employee mentioned being laid off alongside “8,000 metamates.” Meta has been contacted for confirmation on the number of employees affected.