Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has announced a companywide AI hackathon to boost morale and foster camaraderie amid recent layoffs. However, employees are expressing frustration over the timing and added responsibilities.

“I’m preoccupied with keeping the lights on for my team,” one employee wrote, highlighting the lack of time and incentive to participate in such events.

The hackathon, scheduled from July 14 to 16, has drawn mixed reactions. While Zuckerberg sees it as an opportunity for staff innovation, many employees feel they are already stretched thin with their regular workloads.

Employee concerns extend beyond participation; the hackathon could count against performance evaluations and potentially take time away from ongoing projects. A veteran software engineer at Meta attempted to reassure staff that everyone is encouraged to join, but many still doubt management’s priorities.

Zuckerberg has also announced budget increases for team offsites and plans to phase out hot desking in some offices, attempting to address internal criticism and reinvigorate the workforce.