In a surprising move, Meta has terminated around two dozen employees from its Los Angeles office for misusing company meal credits. Sources reveal that these employees were using their meal allowances to purchase non-food items, including laundry detergent, wine glasses, and acne treatment pads, raising eyebrows within the tech giant.
Meta is known for its extensive food services designed to enhance employee satisfaction. For instance, its New York City office features a cafeteria reminiscent of an upscale food court, offering a variety of free meals. However, employees at smaller offices without such amenities receive meal vouchers—$20 for breakfast and $25 for lunch and dinner—intended for food deliveries while they work long hours, a common practice in the tech industry.
An internal investigation uncovered that some employees in the Los Angeles office had used these meal funds for personal purchases instead of food or had meals delivered to their homes. This misuse prompted the swift termination of those involved.
This incident comes amid broader layoffs at Meta, as the company adjusts its workforce to align resources with long-term strategic goals. Meta spokesperson Tracy Clayton confirmed the layoffs, noting that some teams are relocating while others are undergoing role changes. However, the company did not disclose the exact number of employees affected by the layoffs, which spanned across Instagram, WhatsApp, Facebook, and Reality Labs—home to Meta’s virtual reality and metaverse initiatives.
Among those laid off was Jane Manchun Wong, a renowned security researcher known for predicting social media features. She joined Meta in June 2023 to work on the Instagram and Threads teams.
This latest round of job cuts follows last year’s significant layoffs, where over 20,000 employees were let go as part of an effort to reverse declining revenues and stagnating user growth, a period Mark Zuckerberg referred to as the company’s “year of efficiency.” Despite these challenges, Meta’s shares (META) have seen a nearly 80% increase over the past year.
Source: Swifteradio.com
