META FIRES 11K EMPLOYEES, IS IT THE WORST TECH LAYOFF EVER?

Meta Founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg sacked more than 11,000 employees, about 13% of the global workforce and extended hiring freeze through Q1 2023.

Meta fired over 11k employees, as its founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg fired about 13% of its global workforce, in a not-so-surprising move. The layoffs were announced via email to the employees. Elon Musk's Twitter announced the firing of close to 50% of its global workforce a few days ago, and netizens responded by calling these layoffs 'one of the worst layoffs in the tech industry.

"You just don't lay off a person from their position in your company, you lay them off from their career paths. #11000 #layoffs #Meta," a user wrote. "I don't understand what is the point of working so hard to get into these big companies. When they're laying off thousands of employees. #layoffs," said another.

Another expressed strength to those who had been let go. "Sending strength to all those laid off in the past few weeks. A friend woke up to such sad news from Meta. Wishing everyone a speedy recovery and a return to employment soon. #layoffs"

Moreover, Zuckerberg said the company will continue to reduce discretionary spending and extend its hiring freeze through Q1 in order to become leaner and more efficient.

"Today I'm sharing some of the most difficult changes we've made in Meta's history. I've decided to reduce the size of our team by about 13 per cent and let more than 11,000 of our talented employees go," said Zuckerberg.

He went on to say, "I'm taking accountability for these decisions and how we got here. I know this is tough for everyone, but I'm particularly sorry for those affected.".

Every employee will be notified by email soon about the layoffs, according to Meta's CEO.

"After that, every affected employee will have the opportunity to speak with someone to get their questions answered and join information sessions," he said.