Meta, the tech giant behind Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has recently implemented a series of layoffs that have sparked outrage and condemnation from its workforce. These layoffs, described by CEO Mark Zuckerberg as "performance-based," have led to a wave of criticism from both current and former employees who feel unjustly targeted.
The Scarlet Letter of Layoffs
During an employee memo last month, as reported by Bloomberg, Zuckerberg announced plans to reduce the workforce by approximately 3,600 positions, or about 5% of Meta's total employees. This decision has been met with intense scrutiny, particularly from those who have been let go. "The hardest part is Meta publicly stating they’re cutting low performers, so it feels like we have the scarlet letter on our backs,†an anonymous employee told Business Insider. This sentiment is echoed across various social media platforms where affected employees are voicing their frustrations and concerns.Questioning the Criteria
The controversy intensifies with allegations that the layoffs are not as performance-based as claimed. On platforms like Blind, an anonymous forum for tech employees, there are numerous accounts of individuals who assert they have been laid off despite having no history of poor performance. "I consistently exceeded expectations multiple years, had a baby in 2024, got laid off," shared one former employee, highlighting the confusion and perceived injustice of the situation.
Legal Concerns and Cultural Shifts
Some employees have started seeking legal advice, questioning the legality of being laid off during or shortly after approved leave periods, such as parental or medical leave. This practice has led to accusations of cruelty and a lack of empathy from Meta's leadership towards its workforce. Additionally, the layoffs have prompted a broader discussion about the shifting work culture in Silicon Valley, with significant changes in job stability, return-to-office mandates, and corporate support for diversity and inclusion initiatives waning.A Call for Caution
The overwhelming response from the tech community suggests a growing distrust in Meta's leadership and its future as an employer. "Be careful about joining this company. Zuck doesn’t care about his employees. Only the company," a laid-off Meta employee warned. This sentiment reflects a broader disillusionment with what many see as a betrayal of the company's earlier commitments to its employees and their welfare.