In a recent series of layoffs, Meta Platforms Inc., the social media powerhouse, has encountered criticism from employees concerning its assertions that the reductions were based on performance metrics.

Earlier this month, Meta’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, disclosed that the company would be dismissing over 3,000 staff members, which accounts for about 5% of its workforce of 72,400 as of September.

While Meta characterized these layoffs as essential to 'raise the bar on performance' and swiftly eliminate underperformers, many employees have openly contested this justification, claiming that several of those laid off had consistently met or surpassed performance standards.

Workers have utilized anonymous forums, including Blind, to express their concerns about the layoff procedures.

One report noted that individuals with nearly ten years of experience and those with a record of positive performance evaluations were among those let go.

A former employee remarked that those who had taken parental or medical leave were also impacted, prompting discussions over the legal and ethical ramifications of such layoffs.

Employee feedback described the experience as deeply unsettling.

One anonymous individual told Business Insider, "The hardest part is Meta publicly stating they're cutting low performers, making it feel like we have a scarlet letter on our backs." They stressed the need for transparency regarding the layoffs, suggesting that many affected were not actually underperformers but were unfairly labeled as such.

In a broader conversation about employee sentiment, another Meta staff member described the company as currently the 'cruelest tech company out there.' Additionally, employees from Amazon commented on Meta's apparent shift toward younger workers, implying that the company may primarily appeal to those without family responsibilities, which aligns with a relentless drive for profit.

Zuckerberg's announcement of these layoffs came amid expectations of 'challenging years' ahead for the company as it continues to invest in ambitious initiatives related to artificial intelligence and the metaverse.

This latest round of job cuts reflects the increasing pressure tech companies face to sustain profitability and operational efficiency while navigating a complicated economic and market landscape.