Meta reportedly considered a major workforce restructuring as part of its push to become an “AI-native” company. Under the proposed plan, some employees would have moved into new roles while others could have been laid off. One human resources executive reportedly estimated that Meta might reduce its workforce by approximately 25 percent or more.
Meta told Reuters that it canceled Project OT before determining how many job cuts the initiative would have required. Reuters, citing “two people familiar with the matter,” also reported that Meta planned to use some of the savings from potential layoffs to increase compensation for top-performing employees, particularly those with artificial intelligence and AI engineering expertise.
What does “AI native” mean at Meta?
One Project OT document reviewed by Reuters defines “AI native” as an organization in which employees use AI-enabled tools, workflows are automated, and new products are developed with an AI-first approach. The document also says that being AI native includes selling AI agents to third-party customers. This strategy follows Meta’s launch of an enterprise-focused AI business in June.
Meta reportedly launched a pilot program this year to reorganize its engineering, research, and at least eight other teams into smaller groups. The restructuring was designed to make teams more efficient and accelerate the development of AI products and services.
The reported pilot follows an internal post published in October called the “AI Native Playbook.” In it, members of Meta’s product management team described plans to reduce middle management and use “agent-assisted analytics” to help prioritize everyday work and business decisions.
Reuters also reported that Meta leaders could receive assistance from human resources professionals and AI systems when making promotion decisions. However, a Meta spokesperson told the publication that “performance reviews and promotion decisions have been and continue to be made by humans, not AI.”
Meta reportedly reconsiders AI-driven layoffs
Shortly after Meta announced layoffs in May, CEO Mark Zuckerberg reportedly canceled additional planned job cuts in November. Reuters said it could not determine the precise reason Zuckerberg changed course. The reported reversal highlights the challenges Meta faces as it attempts to reduce costs while competing aggressively for AI talent.
Source: arstechnica.com