Meta Employees Are Scrambling to Use Up Benefits Ahead of Layoffs

https://media.wired.com/photos/6a0cb2b791b600abc11af14d/191:100/w_1280,c_limit/Meta-Employees-Scrambling-to-Use-Up-Benefits-Ahead-of-Layoffs-Business-2272777092.jpg

May 19, 2026 3:00 PM

On the eve of about 8,000 jobs being cut, employees are cashing in on headphone stipends and other perks while they still can.

Photograph: Benjamin Fanjoy/Getty Images

Ahead of Meta’s latest round of mass layoffs tomorrow, some employees are deserting offices, abandoning their work, and loading up on perks they might soon lose, several people at the company tell WIRED.

Two employees describe a widespread rush to use up an annual $2,000 flexible benefit, which can cover a variety of expenses including health and wellness activities. A separate triennial credit of $200 toward the purchase of audio gear has led to a scramble to purchase Apple AirPods and other headphones. Another source says Meta offices have been largely empty this week, as people prioritize polishing their résumés and gather offsite to commiserate with friends for what may be their final time as colleagues. Employees...

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