Meta Platforms launched a global restructuring on May 20, 2026. The company is laying off approximately 8,000 employees. This reduction represents 10% of Meta's total workforce. Notifications began in Asia and are rolling out across Europe and the United States.
CEO Mark Zuckerberg is prioritizing artificial intelligence to compete with Google and OpenAI. Meta is reassigning 7,000 existing employees to newly established AI teams. The restructuring aims to create a flatter and more productive organization.
This move reallocates capital from headcount toward technical infrastructure. Meta plans to spend up to $145 billion on AI capital expenditures in 2026. The company characterizes the shift as a strategic pivot rather than a performance-driven cut.