Meta's Chief Technology Officer Andrew Bosworth outlined new steps for employees following growing unrest in the artificial intelligence division. Bosworth acknowledged that internal restructurings and rapid strategy shifts have caused distrust within teams.
Established in March, the Applied AI unit was structured to bring together around 6,500 engineers and product managers with the goal of developing Meta's generative AI models. However, some employees expressed dissatisfaction, feeling their assigned tasks were mundane and had limited impact.
Restructuring Shakes Trust
In a note to employees, Bosworth wrote that the company has undermined confidence in the value of certain expertise and contributions. He also noted that changes in management structure and hiring fluctuations have put some teams in difficult positions.
The unrest within Meta's AI unit is seen as part of a broader decline in morale across the company. Recent mass layoffs, employee surveillance, and related issues have heightened internal anxieties.
Limits on Direct Reports per Manager
Bosworth stated that the company will adopt a more personal management approach going forward, limiting each manager to about 20 direct reports. He also said that employees will be less frequently reassigned to different managers during restructurings.
It was emphasized that company leadership will communicate the reasons behind strategy changes and organizational decisions more transparently. According to Bosworth, managers will primarily focus on team leadership, with individual tasks becoming a secondary responsibility.
More Options and Support for Employees
In a separate note regarding the Applied AI team, it was mentioned that employees who were assigned to this unit involuntarily can apply for other roles within Meta if suitable positions become available. This aims to give employees more choice in selecting tasks aligned with their interests.
Bosworth also expressed disagreement with the view that AI workers will be completely replaced by artificial intelligence. However, he highlighted that employees who effectively use AI tools will have an advantage, acknowledging that the transition period will be challenging.
Enhanced Office Amenities and Spending
To boost morale, the company plans to improve relaxation areas in offices, increase travel budgets, and allocate more resources to social events. Bosworth said they want to create a more enjoyable work environment that encourages employees to spend more face-to-face time together.
It was reported that other senior Meta executives have recently shared internal messages acknowledging employee concerns. Bosworth emphasized the company’s commitment to increasing transparency and reducing bottlenecks during this period of change.
