Meta (NASDAQ: META) has confirmed a new wave of layoffs, affecting teams across Reality Labs, Instagram, and WhatsApp, as part of its ongoing efforts to realign resources with long-term strategic goals. Affected employees were notified via video calls on Wednesday, with some offered the opportunity to transition into new roles within the company.

This restructuring is part of Meta’s broader “Year of Efficiency” initiative, which has driven significant workforce reductions following aggressive hiring during the pandemic.

Certain divisions like Threads, recruiting, and legal operations were spared, the layoffs hit teams linked to Meta’s core platforms. These changes mark the latest phase of Meta’s post-pandemic adjustments, reflecting the company’s need to streamline operations and prioritize key areas of growth.

Why It Matters: Meta’s restructuring shows its need to adapt quickly to shifting tech and market demands. By downsizing key teams like Reality Labs and Instagram, Meta aims to sharpen its focus on long-term goals while cutting costs. The layoffs highlight the challenge of driving innovation while staying lean in a competitive industry.

• Ongoing Restructuring: Meta’s statement emphasized that the layoffs were part of broader moves to align its workforce with company goals, shifting teams geographically and reallocating roles where necessary.

• Severance and Retention Options: Impacted employees were offered severance packages or new roles with different contracts. Many employees, according to reports, opted for the severance package.

• Past Layoff Trends: Meta’s workforce reductions have been a consistent part of its cost-cutting strategy since 2022, with over 21,000 job cuts to date, reflecting CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s focus on efficiency.

• Additional Controversies: Separate from the restructuring, Meta reportedly terminated staff for misusing their $25 meal credits, purchasing non-food items such as household supplies. These firings added another layer of complexity to the company’s internal challenges.

Go Deeper -> Meta lays off employees across multiple teams – TechCrunch

Meta lays off employees at WhatsApp and Instagram, the Verge reports – Reuters