UPDATE: Meta’s aggressive push into artificial intelligence (AI) is causing significant upheaval within the company, as CEO Mark Zuckerberg implements drastic changes to meet evolving industry demands. Employees are feeling the pressure from recent layoffs and an intensified performance review process as the company navigates a transformative year.
Meta’s AI initiative has seen a staggering $14 billion investment in AI training firm Scale AI, alongside the appointment of its 28-year-old founder, Alexandr Wang, as chief AI officer. This shift comes as the company faces intense competition from tech giants like OpenAI and Google, prompting a complete overhaul of its AI strategy.
In a bold move, Zuckerberg instructed employees to “buckle up” for an “intense” 2025. The restructuring has already led to substantial job cuts, with approximately 3,600 jobs eliminated in February alone, representing about 5% of Meta’s total workforce of 78,450 employees. The layoffs were framed by Zuckerberg as a necessary step to elevate performance standards, a message that has left many employees feeling demoralized.
As Meta strives to reestablish itself as a leader in AI, internal tensions have flared. Former employees have expressed concerns over a lack of clear direction within the recently formed AI Superintelligence Labs. Reports indicate that many staff members felt disoriented and overwhelmed by constant reorganizations and conflicting priorities.
In a recent internal survey, employee sentiment improved slightly, with metrics showing optimism rising to 80% and confidence in leadership climbing to 68%. However, the atmosphere remains charged, as many employees report feeling a competitive and high-pressure environment exacerbated by stricter performance reviews.
In an effort to attract top-tier talent, Meta has been offering substantial compensation packages to new hires, creating rifts between seasoned employees and newcomers. This strategy has led to a perception of inequality among staff and increased competition for recognition and resources.
The company’s shift in focus has also impacted its Reality Labs division, responsible for its virtual and mixed reality products. Reports suggest that Meta is reconsidering its budget for metaverse-related initiatives, reallocating funds towards AI-driven projects. A spokesperson confirmed that while some adjustments are being made, there are no plans for broader changes.
The mounting pressure and culture shifts have prompted a wave of departures. Employees have voiced concerns over a lack of transparency in leadership decisions and a perceived misalignment with personal values. A recent internal poll revealed that many staff members feel “extremely afraid” of potential repercussions for speaking candidly about workplace conditions.
Despite these challenges, some employees remain optimistic about Meta’s future. “The positives are that we are still on the frontier in R&D,” one senior engineer stated, highlighting the opportunities for high-performing individuals to thrive in a demanding environment.
As Meta continues to navigate its “year of intensity,” the industry watches closely to see if these bold moves will secure its position as a leader in AI or lead to further instability. The coming months will be crucial as the company attempts to align its ambitious goals with employee well-being and corporate culture.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
