Meta employees express frustration over AI restructuring and low morale
Meta is facing significant internal backlash as the company pushes forward with an AI-driven workforce overhaul, according to multiple reports. CEO Mark Zuckerberg acknowledged in an internal memo that the company has "made mistakes" during the transition, which is expected to affect about 20% of the workforce Source: Fox Business. However, employees have expressed deep dissatisfaction with the changes, particularly the formation of the Applied AI unit, which one employee described as "the gulag" Source: TechCrunch. A livestreamed presentation was interrupted by an employee who demanded that a senior AI executive be told "he's a piece of shit," reflecting simmering rage Source: Wired. Meanwhile, Zuckerberg's plan for a companywide AI hackathon was met with widespread cynicism, with workers saying they lack time and trust Source: Wired. Some employees have also signed a petition against a program monitoring clicks and keystrokes. Zuckerberg said the company will attempt to find new roles for reassigned workers and does not plan further layoffs this year Source: Fox Business, but morale remains low, with managers acknowledging a "brutal" environment Source: Wired.
Sources
4 quotes“"Given the complexity of these changes, we've made mistakes and will almost certainly make more," Zuckerberg said.”
“"It's literally the gulag," one of the employees claims. "Most people find the work soul-crushing," said another.”
“The individual then asked the people leading the call to write to a specific Meta AI executive and "tell him that he's a piece of shit."”
“"I'm literally preoccupied with keeping the lights on for my team," one employee wrote. "I have no incentive to participate, let alone have the time to do so."”