Meta has announced plans to lay off around 8,000 employees — 10 percent of its workforce — as part of cost-cutting measures aimed at offsetting significant investments in artificial intelligence and other projects. This move comes after the company forecasted spending up to $135 billion on capital expenditures next year.

The cuts follow a series of previous layoffs affecting hundreds of employees across recruiting, social media and sales teams as well as about 10 percent of its Reality Labs division. In her memo, Janelle Gale, chief people officer at Meta, highlighted the need for efficiency improvements: 'This is not an easy tradeoff and it will mean letting go of people who have made meaningful contributions to Meta during their time here.'

While Reuters reported that further cuts are planned for later in 2026, this round targets May 20th. The timing gives employees nearly a month of ambiguity which is 'incredibly unsettling,' according to Gale.