Meta Increases Executive Bonuses By 200% After Mass Layoffs

California: Days after laying off 3,600 employees, tech giant Meta has significantly increased executive bonuses, raising them from 75% to 200% of base pay, according to a corporate filing.

Executives Get Higher Payouts, But Not Zuckerberg

• The new compensation plan excludes CEO Mark Zuckerberg.
• Meta justified the move, saying previous executive pay lagged behind industry norms and needed adjustment to retain top talent.
• The company stated that even with the 200% bonus increase, executive compensation remains at the 50th percentile compared to industry peers.

Mass Layoffs Spark Criticism

The bonus hike comes just weeks after Meta announced layoffs affecting 5% of its workforce, citing low performance ratings. Zuckerberg defended the decision, stating:

"I've decided to raise the bar on performance management and move out low-performers faster."

However, many laid-off employees have criticized Meta’s leadership, alleging that even those meeting expectations were dismissed.

Shifts In Company Strategy

• Meta has scaled back diversity initiatives and relaxed content moderation on Facebook and Instagram.
• Zuckerberg has also been engaging with conservative figures, including dining with Donald Trump and appointing a Republican as Meta’s head of public affairs.

The executive pay boost amid mass layoffs has intensified scrutiny over Meta’s leadership and its evolving corporate strategy.