Meta is implementing further workforce reductions, planning to cut approximately 10 percent of its workforce, or nearly 8,000 people, to boost efficiency and finance ongoing investments. These layoffs follow approximately 25,000 previous cuts over four years and have severely damaged internal morale, which is reportedly at a record low. Employees cite widening pay gaps and mandatory role changes for senior staff as contributing factors to the grim atmosphere.

Compounding the stress is the recent installation of corporate software on employee computers designed solely to track activity for AI training purposes. This surveillance, combined with the uncertainty of impending layoffs, has created widespread frustration. Many employees reportedly hope to be laid off to secure the minimum severance package of 16 weeks plus 18 months of paid health care, indicating a deep disconnect from the company's mission.

Financial adjustments have also fueled discontent, as Meta reduced the stock portion of annual raises for the second straight year. Median total compensation fell to $388,200 in the last year. In the UK, frustration is high enough that employees are actively gathering signatures to form a labor union, seeking protection from management's perceived cruelty and shortsightedness, aligning with broader organizing efforts seen at other major tech firms.

In response to specific concerns regarding the tracking software, a Meta spokesperson stated that safeguards are in place and the data is not used for any other purpose beyond AI training.