Meta has initiated a significant round of layoffs starting May 20, impacting thousands of employees worldwide. Affected staff received an email from Meta leadership informing them that their roles have been eliminated as part of the company's ongoing restructuring efforts. The email, obtained by Business Insider, outlines details regarding severance, visa support, and access to company systems.
Details from the Termination Email
The email informs employees that their internal access has been revoked, but they can access the Alumni Portal within an hour to review additional information and resources. The portal contains details on severance, benefits, and job search assistance.
Earlier this week, Meta's Head of People, Janelle Gale, stated in a memo that many organizations can now operate with flatter structures and smaller teams, which is expected to increase productivity and make work more rewarding. Meta also revealed that approximately 7,000 employees have been reassigned to new teams focused on artificial intelligence initiatives, including products and agents.
Key Points from the Email to Laid-Off Employees
The email, signed by Meta Leadership, includes the following critical information:
Non-Working Notice Period
From the date of notification until the termination date, employees are placed on a non-working notice period. During this time, internal access is removed, and no further work is required. Employees will continue to accrue paid time off (PTO) until the termination date, with remaining PTO paid out in the final paycheck. Notice pay, equivalent to salary, will be provided during this period.
Any leaves of absence will end on the termination date, but employees may continue to receive disability benefits if they meet plan requirements.
Benefits and Compensation
Employees will receive full salary and benefits through the termination date, along with any vested RSU grants as per the Equity Incentive Plan. Additionally, three months of complimentary job search assistance through Lee Hecht Harrison (LHH) will be provided.
Severance Package
A non-signable version of the Separation Agreement is attached, detailing the individual package. A signable version will be sent to the employee's personal email. To receive severance, employees must sign the agreement. The severance offer for regular full-time employees includes:
- Severance payment: 16 weeks of base pay plus two weeks for every year of completed service, minus the notice period.
- COBRA premiums: Payment for health insurance coverage for the employee and their dependents for 18 months.
If an employee applies for and accepts a different role at Meta before the termination date, the separation agreement becomes void, and they will not receive severance.
Immigration Support
For employees on Meta-sponsored visas, the Alumni Portal provides general immigration guidance and contact information for the assigned law firm. Specific questions can be addressed by opening a case through the portal.
System Access and Office Protocol
Employee badges have been deactivated, and access to internal systems has been removed. Those already in the office are asked to gather personal items and leave. Instructions for retrieving personal items are available on the Alumni Portal.
Accessing Further Information
The Alumni Portal can be accessed within an hour of losing system access using the employee ID provided in the email. The portal contains resources on pay, benefits, and other considerations.
Meta Leadership expressed gratitude for the employees' contributions, stating, "Your impact at Meta has been an important part of our story."
Background and Context
The layoffs are part of Meta's broader strategy to streamline operations and invest in artificial intelligence. The company has reorganized many teams into smaller, flatter structures to enhance speed and ownership. This restructuring follows earlier announcements of significant headcount reductions as Meta aims to improve efficiency amid shifting priorities.
