Meta Employees Advised to Work Remotely Amid Looming Layoffs
Meta recently informed employees from its wearables and advertising divisions to work remotely. The advisory email was sent on a Tuesday evening, with employees expected to comply the following day. The communication hinted at an impending announcement from leadership.
Work-from-Home Directive and Layoffs
This recent remote work directive coincides with anticipations of significant layoffs within the company. Earlier reports indicated that Meta is preparing to implement cost-cutting measures. According to various sources, up to 20% of its workforce could be affected, translating to potential job cuts for approximately 16,000 employees.
Meta’s Workforce and Future Investments
- Meta employed nearly 79,000 individuals at the end of 2025.
- The layoffs are part of a strategic shift towards artificial intelligence (AI).
- Investments in AI are prioritized as a key focus area for 2026.
Wearables and AI Investments
The wearables division includes projects like AI glasses and augmented reality initiatives. Despite the challenges, this division remains a significant investment area for the tech giant.
Recent Changes and Stock Compensation
Earlier this year, Meta reduced its workforce by 10% to 15% in its Reality Labs group. This shift marks a transition away from its earlier emphasis on the Metaverse strategy.
In conjunction with these layoffs, Meta announced new stock compensation plans for senior leaders, excluding CEO Mark Zuckerberg. The plan features an increase in restricted stock units and stock options, aiming to motivate leadership towards future growth targets with a deadline set for March 2031. Despite these efforts, Meta’s stock has seen a decline of nearly 3% over the past year.
