Employee sentiment at Meta is reportedly under pressure following recent workforce reductions and the company’s intensified focus on artificial intelligence (AI), according to internal discussions cited in media reports.
Last month, Meta reduced its workforce by approximately 8,000 employees, representing nearly 10 per cent of its global staff. The restructuring forms part of the company’s broader strategy to increase investments in AI and strengthen its competitiveness in the rapidly evolving technology sector.
Reports indicate that employees who remain with the company are facing increased responsibilities. In addition to their existing duties, several teams have reportedly been assigned work related to the training and improvement of AI systems, raising concerns about workload and team capacity.
The issue gained further attention after Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced plans for a company-wide AI hackathon in July. Traditionally used by the company to encourage innovation and collaboration, the proposed event reportedly received a subdued response from some employees.
According to reports, internal discussions suggest that many workers feel stretched by additional responsibilities following the layoffs. Some employees reportedly questioned whether they had sufficient time and resources to participate in voluntary initiatives while also managing regular operations and taking on duties previously handled by colleagues who left the company.
The announcement also included plans to provide employees with permanent desks, replacing hot-desking arrangements in certain offices. However, reports indicate that the workplace change generated limited enthusiasm as concerns over workload and job security remained a priority for many employees.
The developments come as Meta continues to increase its investments in AI technologies. The company faces intense competition from rivals that have accelerated the launch of advanced AI products and services. Reports further indicate that company leadership has acknowledged the challenges associated with the ongoing transformation and the possibility of additional operational hurdles as Meta advances its AI-focused strategy.
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