These were supposed to be farsighted geniuses who took credit for their stock performance. But they made the most obvious blunder: opening a Pandora’s box that they can’t close.

In 2022, Meta laid off 11,000 (13%)

In 2023, Meta did two layoffs, one of 10,000 (another 13.6%), one of 600

In 2024, Meta did a layoff (layoffs.fyi doesn't list the number)

In 2025, Meta did three layoffs, one of 3,600 (5%), 100 and 600 people

In 2026, Meta has done two layoffs, one of 200, and one of 8,000 (10%).

If you can't correct overhiring in 4 years as a CEO, you've failed. If you repeatedly have to do >10% layoffs every year for 4 years you've failed (if it's to correct for a one time hiring spree).

Meta's employment didn't skyrocket during the pandemic making this argument even more bullshit. Between 2012 and 2018 Meta averaged an employee count growth of 40% YoY. In 2020, they grew by 31%, 2021 22% and 20% in 2022. Meta slowed their growth during the pandemic.

This "pandemic overhiring" is bullshit.