The competition for technology talent has intensified after X moved quickly to attract engineers affected by Meta’s recent workforce-reduction programme. The layoffs have reportedly affected employee morale, with senior leadership acknowledging growing concerns among staff during internal discussions.
The development follows Meta’s decision to eliminate nearly 8,000 jobs, representing around 10 per cent of its workforce.
Amid the uncertainty, X publicly launched a recruitment push aimed at software engineers, data scientists and web- engineering professionals. The company highlighted open roles with compensation packages ranging from $180,000 to $440,000 and encouraged interested candidates to apply.
The hiring campaign gained attention after X’s leadership appeared to reference reports that Meta was exploring ways to improve employee morale through workplace perks and office amenities. The social-media company used the opportunity to position itself as an attractive destination for technology professionals seeking new opportunities following the layoffs.
The developments come at a time when Meta is undergoing a broader organisational transformation. The company has been increasing investments in artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure, AI-powered products and automation technologies. Like several large technology firms, Meta is reshaping its workforce to align with changing business priorities and future growth areas.
Reportedly, employee sentiment has weakened following the job cuts, making talent retention an emerging challenge. Industry observers note that large-scale layoffs often create uncertainty among remaining employees, affecting engagement, productivity and workplace culture.
Meanwhile, X continues to expand hiring in selected technical functions. The company’s recruitment drive reflects a wider trend across the technology sector, where firms are competing aggressively for skilled engineers and AI talent despite broader workforce rationalisation efforts.
As companies realign their workforce strategies around AI and digital transformation, attracting and retaining specialised talent is becoming a critical business priority.
