Meta layoffs 2026: The severance package offered to 8000 employees

In a significant move, Meta is set to cut its workforce by 10% in May 2026, which translates to approximately 8,000 employees across various regions and departments. This decision marks the first phase of layoffs, with further reductions anticipated later in the year. Janelle Gale, the Chief People Officer at Meta, conveyed the unsettling news through a memo addressed to employees. Gale noted, "We have been working on some changes to our organization that will result in us laying off around 10% of the company on May 20." Alongside the workforce reduction, Meta is also shutting down over 6,000 job openings as stated in the memo. In light of these layoffs, the company has outlined a severance package designed to assist those affected during this challenging period. The severance package includes 16 weeks of base salary for U.S. employees, plus an additional two weeks of pay for each year of service at the company. Furthermore, Meta will extend health insurance benefits for up to 18 months, covering both employees and their families. For employees located outside the U.S., the company intends to offer comparable severance benefits, though specifics may vary based on local regulations and policies. The timeline and execution of the layoffs may also differ by region. To support impacted employees further, Meta will provide career assistance, including job search resources and transition services. As of now, the company has not disclosed the exact number of affected employees or the specific regions involved. The layoffs come as part of a strategic initiative aimed at reallocating resources toward investments in other areas. Gale emphasized the necessity of these job cuts for enhancing operational efficiency and funding ongoing projects, stating, "This is not an easy tradeoff, and it will mean letting go of people who have made meaningful contributions to Meta during their time here." Meta is reportedly channeling substantial funds into artificial intelligence, with forecasts indicating that capital expenditures for AI could rise from $115 billion to $135 billion by 2026. The company is investing heavily in expanding data centers and developing AI computing infrastructure, among other initiatives.