Meta employees face a slow-swinging axe and a tough choice: hustle or job hunt

Meta announced plans to cut about 10% of its workforce effective May 20, creating nearly a month of uncertainty for employees. The unusually long notice period is sparking anxiety, reducing clarity about who will be impacted and prompting behavioral responses that could affect productivity and retention. HR veterans quoted say extra effort in the final weeks is unlikely to change layoff outcomes, and employees may be better off networking and preparing for job searches. Managers are likely preoccupied and less able to support teams, raising risks to morale and the company’s ability to retain or advocate for top performers. For investors, drawn-out layoffs can signal cost-cutting but also short-term disruption to execution and talent stability.