Meta Platforms is preparing for a new round of company-wide layoffs next week while simultaneously accelerating the hiring of machine learning engineers, according to internal memos reviewed by Reuters.

Layoff notices will begin rolling out at 5 a.m. local time on Monday in most affected countries, including the US. However, employees in Germany, France, Italy, and the Netherlands will be exempt due to local labor regulations. Workers in more than a dozen other countries across Europe, Asia, and Africa will be notified between February 11 and February 18.

This round of layoffs follows Meta’s earlier announcement that it would cut approximately 5% of its workforce, specifically targeting "lowest performers." In an internal memo, Meta’s Head of People, Janelle Gale, referred to the job cuts as "performance terminations." Unlike previous layoffs, the company will keep its offices open on Monday and will not release any further public updates on the decision.

While reducing its workforce, Meta is also ramping up hiring in key engineering sectors. A separate memo from Peng Fan, VP of Engineering for Monetization, encouraged employees to assist with the expedited recruitment process for machine learning engineers and other essential engineering roles. This hiring push will run from February 11 to March 13, aligning with the company’s long-term priorities for 2025.

Meta has been focusing on artificial intelligence and automation as part of its broader strategy, suggesting that the workforce reductions may be aimed at restructuring teams to better fit future objectives. The company has not commented publicly on the layoffs, but the memos indicate a shift in Meta’s employment strategy—cutting underperforming roles while investing in specialized talent to support its AI-driven vision.

These layoffs mark another phase in Meta’s ongoing efforts to streamline operations, following multiple rounds of job cuts in recent years. The company continues to adapt its workforce to stay competitive in an evolving tech landscape, prioritizing roles critical to its growth and innovation.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters