Meta layoffs 2026: Severance package and benefits offered to over 8000 employees

Meta has embarked on a significant workforce reduction initiative, leading to the layoff of thousands of employees. Notifications have been sent out from leadership, informing staff members that their positions have been terminated. This decision is part of Meta's broader strategy to restructure its operations and enhance future investments. The layoff notifications, dated May 20, have been widely shared online, detailing the severance packages, benefits, and support systems in place for those affected. Employees can expect to receive 16 weeks, or four months, of their base salary as part of the severance. Additionally, for every year of service at Meta, employees will receive an extra two weeks of pay. For instance, an employee who has worked at Meta for five years will receive a total of 10 additional weeks of salary. Medical benefits will continue for laid-off employees and their families for a period of up to 18 months. While compensation packages for international employees are anticipated to be similar, they may differ according to local laws and regulations. In conjunction with these layoffs, Meta is also restructuring around 7,000 of its remaining employees to concentrate on projects related to artificial intelligence. As a significant portion of the company's endeavors is now directed towards AI development, there are indications that further layoffs may occur later in the year, potentially affecting another 10% of the workforce. Nevertheless, CEO Mark Zuckerberg has indicated in a recent memo that no additional layoffs are anticipated immediately.