Meta's 200% Executive Bonuses Spark Outrage After Mass Layoffs

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has approved bonuses for its executives that could reach up to 200% of their salaries. This decision comes just a week after the company announced layoffs affecting 3,600 employees, or about 11% of its workforce. The move has sparked controversy and raised questions about the company's priorities and compensation practices.

The bonuses, which are part of Meta's annual incentive plan, are intended to reward executives for their performance in 2022. However, the timing of the announcement has drawn criticism, as it comes on the heels of the layoffs, which were the largest in the company's history. Meta has not disclosed the exact amounts of the bonuses, but they are expected to be significant, given the high salaries of its top executives.

The layoffs, which were announced on November 9, affected employees across various departments, including sales, marketing, and recruiting. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg attributed the cuts to a "more intense focus on a small number of high-priority growth areas." The company has been facing increasing competition from rivals like TikTok and has been struggling to maintain user growth and ad revenue.

The layoffs and bonuses have raised questions about Meta's compensation practices and the disconnect between the company's financial performance and its treatment of employees. Some critics have argued that the bonuses are a sign of a "rigged system" that rewards executives while leaving rank-and-file employees vulnerable to job cuts. Meta has not commented on the criticism, but a spokesperson for the company has stated that the bonuses are part of the company's regular compensation process.

The layoffs and bonuses come as Meta faces a number of challenges, including regulatory scrutiny, slowing user growth, and increasing competition. The company has been investing heavily in areas like the metaverse and artificial intelligence, but these efforts have not yet translated into significant revenue growth. Meta's stock price has fallen by more than 60% this year, reflecting investor concerns about the company's future prospects.

The layoffs and bonuses have also raised questions about the company's culture and values. Some former employees have criticized Meta for prioritizing short-term gains over long-term sustainability and for fostering a toxic work environment. Meta has denied these allegations, but the company has faced a number of high-profile departures in recent months, including several senior executives.

In conclusion, Meta's decision to