Meta’s Artificial Intelligence Reorg Sparks Outrage, Leadership Admits Mistakes
In a candid internal memo, Meta’s chief technology officer Andrew Bosworth acknowledged that the company’s recent artificial intelligence reorganization was “atrocious” and promised to address the concerns of employees who felt undervalued and untrusted.
The comments come after reporting by WIRED revealed that within Meta’s Applied AI engineering unit, workers described the work as menial and the management structure as unstable. Bosworth cited recent employee feedback as shaping the changes he was announcing, saying that the company had undermined trust in its employees’ expertise and contributions.
“We’ve shaken up the management structure that was providing you stability while rapid changes in strategy left entire teams in the lurch,” Bosworth wrote. “We’ve undermined the trust you have that your specific expertise and contribution will be valued, that you will grow and advance your career, and that this will be a place where you can actually have an impact.”
The memo also outlined plans to improve internal communication, career growth opportunities, and even snacks – yes, snacks – in an effort to rekindle a more positive company culture. Meta aims to cap managers at about 20 direct reports each, limit the number of times employees switch to new managers during restructurings, and focus managers primarily on managing teams rather than independent work.
Bosworth also promised to provide more personalized attention to employees, with access to AI coaching tools for those who want to use them. The changes are part of a broader effort by Meta to address the growing concerns about morale among employees, which have been exacerbated by mass layoffs and restructuring.
The unrest inside the AI team is just one example of the challenges facing Meta in recent days. Several executives, including CEO Mark Zuckerberg, have posted internal messages acknowledging employees’ feelings and vowing to make changes to address them. The company’s struggles with employee morale come as it navigates a rapidly changing tech landscape and faces increasing scrutiny over its handling of AI and other emerging technologies.
As Bosworth acknowledged the mistakes made by Meta’s leadership, he also took responsibility for his own role in losing sight of employees’ perspectives during the reorganization process. “We lost sight of your perspective while rushing to focus on our goals,” he wrote. “I’m sorry for that.”
The memo has been seen as a significant step forward for Meta, which has faced intense criticism and scrutiny over its handling of AI and other issues. While the company still faces many challenges ahead, Bosworth’s admission of mistakes and commitment to change offer a glimmer of hope that Meta can learn from its past mistakes and build a more positive future for its employees.
