Meta Platforms(META) Deadline·2025-01-14 21:41Layoffs and Workforce Reduction - Meta plans to lay off approximately 5% of its workforce, which translates to around 3,600 jobs based on the company's total workforce of roughly 72,000 employees [3] - The layoffs are part of a broader performance management strategy, with the company aiming to move out low-performers faster and raise the bar on performance expectations [3] - This follows deeper cuts in recent years, including a 13% reduction in staff at the end of 2022 and the declaration of 2023 as the company's "year of efficiency" [5] Strategic Focus and Challenges - The year ahead is predicted to be "intense" as the company focuses on AI, smart glasses, and its core social media business [1] - Meta is undergoing significant changes, including ending its fact-checking efforts and updating its policy on "hateful conduct," which now grades discussions on immigrants, women, and transgender and nonbinary people on a more nuanced curve [2] Leadership and Governance - Meta recently named UFC head Dana White to its board of directors, signaling a shift in leadership dynamics [2] - The company's moves are seen as efforts to align with political interests, particularly in currying favor with President-elect Donald Trump, whose inauguration Meta's CEO plans to attend [4]