The announcement by Meta to eliminate its fact-checking efforts and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programmes has left employees in the UK questioning the future of inclusivity and staff retention at the tech giant, with growing concerns over its image.
Staff Express Dissatisfaction with Policy Changes
Employees at Meta in the UK, represented by the Prospect union, have expressed deep dissatisfaction with what they perceive as a shift in the company’s direction.
In a letter to Lizzie Runham, Meta’s HR Director for EMEA, the union warned that this change could undermine the company’s ability to attract and retain talent in the UK, as well as negatively impact its reputation as an inclusive business.
Andrew Sturtevant, Assistant Secretary of Prospect, noted that many long-serving staff members feel “let down” by the shift in tone.
Global Workforce Cuts and Their Impact
Meta’s controversial workforce reduction plan, which aims to cut 5% of its global staff—approximately 3,600 jobs—comes alongside a new performance management system designed to swiftly address underperformance.
This shift has heightened employee anxiety. In the UK, the company cut over 700 jobs in 2023, leaving 6,338 employees by the end of the year.
The Prospect union is concerned that these layoffs, coupled with the policy changes, could disproportionately affect employees with protected characteristics, including LGBTQ+ individuals.
Concerns Over Workplace Inclusivity and Moderation Policies
Meta employees are expressing concern over recent changes to the company’s moderation policies, including the removal of third-party fact-checkers.
In a letter, the union stated that these changes could expose staff to more harmful or demeaning content, potentially creating a “hostile working environment.”
The letter also referenced Meta’s previous code of conduct, which employees felt was essential to cultivating a “respectful, meritorious workplace and culture” that helped the company succeed. The Meta staff now fear that culture could be at risk with the new policies,
Union Calls for Transparency and Safeguards
Prospect is urging Meta to guarantee that employees with protected characteristics will not face disadvantages as a result of the company’s recent changes.
The union is particularly concerned about ensuring that such staff are not “arbitrarily placed in a performance process” and that the company will maintain a safe and inclusive workplace.
The union has also called for an explanation of the risk assessments and consultations undertaken prior to the policy adjustments, citing the UK’s impending employment rights bill as a basis for holding Meta accountable for preventing sexual harassment.
Wider Implications and CEO’s Controversial Remarks
The cuts and policy changes have also drawn attention to comments made by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg during a recent podcast appearance.
Speaking on Joe Rogan’s podcast, Zuckerberg suggested that workplaces need more “masculine energy,” a remark that has further fuelled discontent among employees. Union representatives worry that such statements, combined with Meta’s policy changes, could signal a departure from the company’s previously inclusive ethos.
“Our members are concerned over Meta’s future direction and the potential impact of policy changes on employees and on the company’s reputation,” Sturtevant wrote.
Awaiting Meta’s Response
Staff at Meta are awaiting the company’s response to the union’s letter, while the broader implications of the policy changes remain uncertain.
For now, employees are struggling to come to terms with what they see as a profound shift in corporate priorities—one that could reshape the workplace culture and affect the company’s status as a global tech leader committed to inclusivity.