Meta’s latest round of job cuts, impacting about 3,600 employees across Europe, Asia, and the US, has drawn significant backlash from former staff. The company attributed the layoffs to performance issues, but many ex-employees have questioned this rationale.
Several former employees expressed frustration over the layoffs, particularly those who had recently returned from leaves of absence. Some claimed that the process disproportionately affected individuals who took maternity or other personal leave. These allegations contradict Meta’s public stance that expectations were prorated for those on extended absences.
One former product counsel, laid off after returning from maternity leave, openly refuted the company’s performance-based justification. She highlighted a history of consistent performance reviews and described herself as collateral damage of what she clearly thought was an evolving corporate culture. The leadership culture of the firm also came under scrutiny.
Critics pointed to rigid career paths and a bureaucratic internal environment, including lengthy documentation and decision-making processes. Some attributed the layoffs to a broader cultural shift that prioritised operational efficiency over employee well-being.
The layoffs follow Meta’s recent decision to dissolve its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programme. This move is viewed by some as part of a strategic pivot away from social initiatives to focus more on cost-cutting and streamlining operations.
Many employees have voiced discontent on social media, sharing stories of sudden dismissals and a lack of transparency. This wave of criticism underscores growing dissatisfaction with how layoffs and cultural changes are being handled within the company.
