Meta’s Workforce Reduction and AI Investment Plans

Meta is set to implement a significant workforce reduction this week as it pivots towards robust investments in artificial intelligence (AI). On May 18, the firm released an internal memo outlining the plans for restructuring, which includes layoffs scheduled for May 20. 

According to a Reuters report, Meta has indicated that various teams worldwide could be impacted, not just those in the US. The memo disclosed intentions to reduce 10% of its workforce, which could affect close to 8000 staff members. Moreover, the company aims to reorganise team operations to enhance efficiency in AI development and AI-enabled products.

Meta also noted that this round of layoffs might not be the last, as additional job cuts could occur in subsequent phases.

Meta Layoff 2026

Along with a 10% workforce reduction, Meta’s Chief People Officer Janelle Gale communicated to employees that around 7,000 roles will be redirected to focus on AI development, AI tools, or AI-driven operations instead of their current positions. Additionally, the company intends to eliminate certain managerial and middle-management roles, thereby reducing the number of supervisory layers.

Gale stated that as organisational leaders worked on these adjustments, many incorporated AI-native design principles into their new organisational structures. She mentioned that the organisation is now positioned to function with a flatter hierarchy, using smaller teams or pods that can operate more swiftly and with greater responsibility.

AI Integration in Meta’s Strategy

These employees are expected to transition to Meta’s Applied AI Engineering (AAI) and Agent Transformation Accelerator (ATA) cross-functional teams, which were introduced by CTO Andrew Bosworth as part of Meta’s “AI for Work” initiative. With this expansion, the company aims to utilise AI not only in consumer-facing products but also internally, enhancing productivity, automation, and operational efficiency.

Gale spotlighted a forthcoming company initiative termed “Enterprise Solutions,” which will be unveiled in due course.

In a previous memo, Gale informed staff about the cessation of an additional 6,000 open roles as a component of the restructuring process. Reports indicate that Meta had 77,986 employees at the end of March, with expectations to reduce its workforce by 20% within the year.