$FET $WLD Meta is preparing to launch a global layoff plan while accelerating the recruitment of machine learning engineers to address the intensifying competitive environment and the need for strategic transformation. This news has been reported by several international media and financial institutions, and below is a comprehensive interpretation of the main details and potential impacts of this initiative:

Key layoff details

Scope and targets of layoffs

According to disclosures in the internal memo, Meta will reduce approximately 5% of its workforce globally, which means about 3,600 people (based on Meta's data of approximately 72,000 employees) will be affected. The layoffs primarily target those employees deemed 'underperforming' in performance evaluations, aiming to quickly 'eliminate low performers' to enhance overall operational efficiency and team competitiveness.

Notification schedule

Meta's internal memo indicates that employees in the United States and most other countries will start receiving layoff notifications at 5 AM local time on February 10. In Germany, France, Italy, and the Netherlands, employees in these regions will temporarily not be affected by layoffs due to local legal protections; employees in other European, Asian, and African countries will receive notifications between February 11 and February 18.

Simultaneously accelerating the recruitment of key talents

Strategic talent supplementation

In conjunction with the layoffs, Meta is accelerating the recruitment of machine learning engineers and other key technical positions. According to another internal memo, this recruitment process is planned to take place between February 11 and March 13, with the aim of replacing laid-off low-performing employees with fresh talent, while laying a solid talent foundation for the company's future investments and innovations in the field of artificial intelligence.

Strategic background and company transformation

Optimizing resource allocation and focusing on AI

This layoff and talent restructuring by Meta is part of its years-long 'efficiency improvement' strategy. CEO Mark Zuckerberg has stated that the company needs to 'raise performance management standards' to quickly eliminate low performers in fierce market competition and replace them with more efficient and innovative talents. Meanwhile, Meta is increasing its investments in next-generation technology fields such as artificial intelligence and smart glasses, aiming to maintain a leading position in the ever-changing digital advertising and social media landscape.

Market and internal pressures

Although Meta's financial data shows that advertising revenue is still growing, the company has had to reassess its operational model in recent years due to slowing user growth and intensified external competition. The strategy of simultaneous layoffs and recruitment is aimed both at optimizing costs and reshaping the talent structure to ensure future technological advantages and market competitiveness in the fields of artificial intelligence and related technologies.

Potential impacts and market reactions

Impact on employees

The layoff plan may cause employee unrest in the short term, especially concerning uncertainties regarding performance evaluations and future promotions. Additionally, some excellent talents may leave during the layoff process, posing challenges to internal morale and corporate culture.

Impact on shareholders and the market

The market is generally concerned about whether Meta can improve operational efficiency through this round of streamlining, thereby driving profitability in the long term. Some analysts believe that if successful, this move will help Meta reduce costs and accelerate the implementation of new technology projects; however, others worry that large-scale layoffs may affect innovation capabilities and the corporate image.

Implications for the competitive landscape of the industry

Through the strategy of 'laying off while hiring,' Meta demonstrates its determination to pursue refined management and structural transformation in the current economic environment. If this model is emulated by other companies, it may trigger a reassessment of labor structure and performance management across the industry, further driving upgrades in technology and management practices.

Summary

Meta is implementing a strategic measure aimed at optimizing its human structure and focusing on key technology areas. By globally reducing about 5% of low-performing employees and accelerating the recruitment of machine learning engineers, the company hopes to maintain a leading advantage in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence in the coming years. This initiative not only reflects Meta's emphasis on cost control and efficiency improvement but also signals that in the intensifying competition within the tech industry, companies must continuously adjust and optimize talent strategies to respond to market changes. Although this strategy may bring some turbulence in the short term, it is expected to enhance Meta's competitiveness and innovation capabilities in the long run.

The above information is based on reports from Reuters, Investing.com, Sina Finance, and other international financial media.