Meta's New Reality: Record High Profits. Record Low Morale

5 hours ago

Meta plans to lay off 10% of its workforce (around 8,000 people) on May 20, adding to previous cuts.
Employee morale is low due to layoffs, pay gap widening, mandatory role changes, and AI tracking software.
Many employees hope to be laid off for severance benefits, as the company's atmosphere is described as grim.
Some UK workers are organizing a labor union to protect jobs, benefits, and privacy.
Employee protests and concerns are widespread, potentially hindering Meta's recruiting efforts.
Compensation has fallen due to cuts in stock-based raises and declining share prices.
Despite strong profits, Meta's expenses rose 35% in Q1, largely due to AI investment and talent acquisition.
Recent court verdicts holding Meta liable for user harm have further damaged morale.
Mandatory AI tracking software (Model Capability Initiative) on US employee laptops has sparked privacy concerns and protests.
Meta is focusing on AI, with some employees pressured to automate tasks, while others see it as a transformative opportunity.
Executives are evaluated partly based on driving automation, though Meta denies changes in performance philosophy.
Not all departments face layoffs, but many employees are scrambling to prove their worth before the cuts.

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