Meta plans 10 percent workforce reduction in May, affecting 8,000 employees

Meta is conducting a planned layoff affecting 10 percent of its workforce, or approximately 8,000 employees, with notices to be delivered on May 20th, 2026. Chief people officer Janelle Gale confirmed the action in an internal memo initially reported by Bloomberg, stating the cuts aim to improve operational efficiency while funding the company's expanded investments in artificial intelligence research.

Alongside workforce reductions, Meta will close roughly 6,000 open job positions. Gale acknowledged in the memo that the timing creates uncertainty for staff, noting the company is still finalizing details but expects to communicate further in May.

The restructuring aligns with Meta's substantial capital expenditure plans for 2026, projected between $115 billion and $135 billion—a significant jump from $72.22 billion spent in 2025. Meta attributed the increased spending to supporting its superintelligence lab efforts and core operations.

This marks the latest in a series of workforce adjustments at the company. Earlier reductions targeted recruiting, social media, and sales teams, along with cuts representing roughly 10 percent of the Reality Labs division. Reuters previously reported that Meta was also planning additional cuts in the second half of 2026.

Meta spokesperson Tracy Clayton confirmed the Bloomberg report's accuracy, though the company declined further comment on the specifics of the planned reductions.