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In a surprising decision, Meta has fired employees for using meal vouchers for everyday items such as toothpaste. What does this reveal about the company's corporate culture and restructuring? Find out all the details of this controversy that is causing a stir in the technology world!
Last week, the company made a radical decision which had repercussions in the international media: the dismissal of around twenty employees in Los Angeles, in the United States, including one who earned an annual salary of US$ 400 thousand, approximately R$ 2 million.
The reason? They used their daily meal credits to buy household items like toothpaste, tea, detergents and even wine glasses.
The layoffs occurred shortly before the restructuring announced by Meta, which is part of the long-term strategy of Mark Zuckerberg to optimize company resources.
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According to information from The Guardian, the workers would have violated the company's internal rules by using the benefit intended for food for other purposes.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, offers its employees credits on delivery apps, such as Uber Eats and Grubhub, so they can buy their meals during work hours.
For those who work at the company's Silicon Valley campus, meals are completely free, which makes the situation even more intriguing.
Credits and misuse
Credits range from $20 for breakfast to $110 for lunch and dinner, all in $25 increments.
These benefits were created to ensure employees have access to adequate meals while working, but some employees appear to have taken the situation in an unexpected direction.
Those dismissed were found to be in violation over time, according to a source close to the case.
Some of them accumulated credits as a group, while others used them to send food home instead of eating it at work. For those who violated the rules on a case-by-case basis, warnings were issued.
Meta Restructuring
The decision to lay off these employees comes at a crucial time as Meta is undergoing a significant restructuring. The company has announced adjustments to several teams and changes to the work location of several employees.
According to the Goal, the goal is to align resources and people with Mark Zuckerberg's long-term strategic goals. With this reorganization, employees have been reassigned, and some positions are being eliminated.
Efficiency strategy
These layoffs are part of an efficiency strategy that Mark Zuckerberg began in 2022, which has already resulted in the elimination of around 21 jobs.
The focus on efficiency appears to be paying off, with Meta shares rising in value and trading at around $577 each, close to their all-time high.
Meta did not comment specifically on the layoffs, but said the changes are part of an ongoing effort to ensure resources and personnel are aligned with the company's long-term goals and strategies.
In addition to the layoffs, Mark Zuckerberg is also implementing a series of changes to its applications, such as WhatsApp and Instagram, aimed at improving the user experience and increasing profitability.
These adjustments are in line with Zuckerberg's vision of creating a more robust digital ecosystem, where Meta positions itself as a leader in the technology sector.
Reactions and impacts
The dismissals, especially that of the employee who used his meal voucher to buy personal hygiene products, generated a wave of discussions on social media.
Many internet users questioned the rigidity of Meta's policies and the way the company has dealt with its employees.
There are those who argue that this action was exaggerated and that it could have been handled in a more flexible manner, considering the relaxed work environment that Meta promotes.
Consequences for corporate culture
The case of an employee fired for using meal vouchers for purposes unrelated to food raises questions about corporate culture and the use of benefits in large companies.
In a scenario where workers are constantly looking for ways to maximize their benefits, the question remains: how far are employees willing to go to make the most of the benefits offered?
Meta's Future Under Zuckerberg's Leadership
As Meta continues its journey under the leadership of Mark Zuckerberg, expectations are high.
The company is investing heavily in augmented and virtual reality technologies, which could open up new revenue and innovation opportunities.
However, pressure to cut costs and increase efficiency remains a priority.
In short, the dismissal of employees over issues related to the use of benefits sheds light on the complex dynamics between employees and employers in the corporate world.
What will the next few months hold for Meta? And how Mark Zuckerberg will balance the needs of your workforce with the demands of the market?
Do you think Meta acted correctly in firing employees for this reason? Leave your opinion in the comments!
Typical of someone who just wanted a reason to fire people... stocks are at an all-time high and yet the greed of wanting to eternally increase profitability... there will be a lot of Brazilians who think it's very nice and right to cut 21000 jobs for employees who simply made the company get to where it is... but there will be people who think that the boss is nice and is just going through a difficult time and that the life of a boss is very complicated and that "giving jobs" to so many families is an immense kindness. But they forget that there is no company without labor, there is no production without workers. Now that they are managing to automate almost everything, and billionaires are getting richer and richer, it's time to kick everyone out...