UPDATE: Meta is in the midst of a major transformation as CEO Mark Zuckerberg leads the company through an aggressive AI overhaul, resulting in significant job cuts and rising employee tensions. As part of a strategy to dominate the AI landscape, Meta has announced a staggering $14 billion investment in AI training and reorganized its teams, but the internal fallout is raising concerns.
In a dramatic shift, Meta has cut around 3,600 jobs this year from its workforce of approximately 78,450 employees. The layoffs are tied to a new performance management strategy, which aims to elevate productivity but has left many employees feeling demoralized. This restructuring comes just months after Zuckerberg urged employees to “buckle up” for an “intense” year.
The push for efficiency has led to a fourth major reorganization of the AI division in just six months. Meta’s newly branded Meta Superintelligence Labs (MSL) is now divided into four teams, but reports indicate that confusion over project ownership persists. Former employees have described an environment rife with competition and pressure, as new hires are offered significantly higher compensation than existing staff, leading to rifts within teams.
Amidst these changes, internal morale appears to be fluctuating. Meta’s latest employee sentiment survey, conducted from October 20 to November 3, 2025, revealed an increase in optimism and confidence in leadership, with positive responses rising by up to 12 percentage points compared to previous assessments. However, many employees still express fears about job security and the company’s evolving culture.
As Meta continues to navigate its AI ambitions, the company faces scrutiny from investors over its substantial financial commitments. With shares only up 7.5% this year, concerns are mounting about whether Meta’s aggressive strategy is sustainable.
Looking ahead, industry analysts emphasize the need for Meta to clarify its vision and demonstrate consistent growth. As the competition in the AI sector intensifies, the pressure on Zuckerberg and his leadership team to deliver results has never been greater.
In the wake of these developments, employees are divided. While some see the potential for innovation and growth, others are disillusioned by the company’s shifting values and increased demands. The outcome of this “year of intensity” remains to be seen, as Meta grapples with both internal and external challenges in its quest for AI supremacy.
