Meta's Chief Technology Officer Andrew Bosworth stated that employee morale is low, possibly among the worst in the company's 20-year history. During an internal meeting on June 2, Bosworth noted that recent layoffs and AI initiatives have contributed to this decline in morale. He referenced the Cambridge Analytica scandal as a previous low point for employee sentiment.
In May, Meta laid off 10% of its workforce due to the need to fund significant investments in AI. Additionally, another 10% of employees were reassigned to train AI models, which some staff described as being 'drafted' into mandatory data-labeling tasks. There was also employee backlash regarding an initiative to monitor mouse movements and keystrokes to enhance AI models.
To address these issues, Bosworth communicated in a memo that Meta aims to improve morale by fostering a supportive environment and encouraging employees to take smart risks. The company plans to increase transparency and enhance personal and career development opportunities for employees. Those reassigned to the AI task force will have the option to apply for other positions within the company, and budgets for travel, events, and snacks will be increased.