Meta Faces Backlash Over ‘Cruel’ Mass Layoffs

Meta’s latest round of layoffs has sparked controversy, with employees accusing the company of unfair dismissals, particularly targeting those on maternity or medical leave.

On February 10, Meta announced job cuts affecting 5% of its workforce, nearly 4,000 employees deemed “low performers.” However, discussions on Blind, an anonymous professional forum, reveal growing discontent among those impacted. Many claim their performance evaluations were inaccurately assessed, while others criticize CEO Mark Zuckerberg for terminating employees during personal hardships.

One former employee shared their experience: “I consistently exceeded expectations for years, took maternity leave in 2024, and was laid off while still on leave.” Another worker, who had been on medical leave, accused Meta of deliberately rating them as low performers to justify termination.

A Microsoft employee familiar with the situation claimed Meta’s layoffs were less about performance and more about reversing over-hiring in 2021-2022. “They simply needed people to cut,” they said. Others allege that Meta is intentionally fostering job insecurity among its workforce to regain control after a hiring spree.

Despite the backlash, Meta defended its actions, stating that past performance does not guarantee continued employment and that its culture prioritizes high efficiency. The company has yet to comment on claims regarding layoffs targeting employees on leave.

Zuckerberg has aggressively streamlined operations at Meta, cutting over 20,000 jobs since late 2022. The strategy appears to have benefited the company’s bottom line, with revenue increasing 16% and profits surging 69% in 2023. Some analysts speculate that annual layoffs could become a norm at Meta as it shifts focus to AI and machine learning, areas where the company plans to expand hiring.

While Meta insists these measures are necessary for long-term success, critics argue that the company’s approach disregards employee well-being. With legal challenges looming, the fallout from these layoffs is far from over.