AI-Focused Roles: Meta Reassigns 7,000 Employees

Meta is not only reducing its workforce by thousands on Wednesday due to advancements in artificial intelligence, but it is also transitioning 7,000 employees to new positions within the organization. Reports from Reuters and The New York Times reveal that Janelle Gale, Meta’s HR head, has informed staff that these employees will be reassigned to four new divisions dedicated to developing innovative AI tools and applications. In an internal memo shared with the media, Gale emphasized that this restructuring aims to enhance productivity and create a more fulfilling work environment.

The newly formed organizations are designed with “AI native design structures,” which will reduce management layers for each employee. Gale requested that employees work remotely on Wednesday, May 20, while awaiting further communications from Meta regarding their potential new roles, although some employees had already experienced transfers. notifications regarding layoffs were to be sent to certain individuals on that day.

In late April, Meta announced plans to eliminate 8,000 positions and to close 6,000 open roles. In a memo at that time, Gale indicated that these changes were part of Meta’s ongoing strategy to operate more efficiently and to balance its other investments. While specifics were not provided, it is likely that Gale was referencing Meta’s investments in artificial intelligence. Various companies in the tech sector have been reducing their workforce to allocate more resources towards AI initiatives.

Meta is making significant investments in AI following a pivot away from its metaverse aspirations, which did not achieve the anticipated success. The company intends to establish data centers with a capacity of “tens of gigawatts” within this decade. A specialized team of AI experts, referred to as the “superintelligence” team, has been formed, with CEO Mark Zuckerberg personally selecting potential recruits and inviting them to his residence. The company is also developing AI agents and integrating its AI chatbot across multiple products. According to The Times, Zuckerberg informed investors that Meta plans to allocate between $115 billion to $135 billion this year, primarily focused on AI advancements.

By the end of 2025, Meta employed approximately 78,000 individuals. The current layoffs impacting 8,000 workers will account for nearly 10 percent of the company’s workforce. Reuters has indicated that additional job cuts may occur later this year. Employees affected by the layoffs will receive 16 weeks of severance pay, along with an extra two weeks for each year they have been with the company.