Meta Reports 1% Increase in Q1 Headcount to 77,986

Meta Reports 1% Increase in Q1 Headcount to 77,986

As of March 31, 2026, Meta Platforms has reported a headcount of 77,986, marking a 1% increase compared to the previous year. This growth comes despite ongoing workforce adjustments and cost-reduction strategies.

CEO Mark Zuckerberg emphasized the company's commitment to enhancing its infrastructure and rewarding key contributors to drive innovation. He noted that Meta has established a strong research team, positioning itself to scale advanced models effectively.

Workforce Adjustments

Meta's recent workforce recalibration reflects broader trends in the technology sector, which has seen significant restructuring. The company began the year with nearly 79,000 employees, but by the end of Q1, the headcount had decreased slightly due to optimization efforts.

Susan Li, the Chief Financial Officer, mentioned that the reduction was partially offset by hiring in critical areas such as monetization and infrastructure.

Layoff Plans

Recently, Meta announced that its first round of layoffs for the year is scheduled for May 20, targeting approximately 10% of its global workforce, which equates to nearly 8,000 employees. Additionally, the company plans to slow hiring by leaving around 6,000 open positions unfilled.

Focus on Innovation

Zuckerberg highlighted the increasing efficiency within teams, noting that fewer individuals are now capable of achieving results that previously required larger groups. He aims to ensure that Meta remains an attractive environment for high-impact talent.

Financial Performance

In the third quarter of the current fiscal year, Meta reported revenues of $56.31 billion, reflecting a 33% year-on-year increase. The company’s capital expenditures totaled $19.84 billion, while total costs and expenses rose to $33.44 billion, a 35% increase from the previous year.

Looking ahead, Meta anticipates second-quarter revenues for 2026 to fall within the range of $58 to $61 billion.

This editorial summary reflects ET Tech and other public reporting on Meta Reports 1% Increase in Q1 Headcount to 77,986.

Reviewed by WTGuru editorial team.