In a curious case of “entrepreneurship” among employees of Goal24 employees were fired in Los Angeles. The reason? They decided to diversify the use of their daily credits 25 dollars (R$ 141.70) for food, purchasing products such as wine glasses and washing powder. It seems that meal vouchers have become shopping vouchers.
Cuts before restructuring, of course
The layoffs came at a strategic time, just a few days before the Goal initiate a major restructuring of the WhatsApp, Instagram and Reality Labs. Apparently, the company, valued at US$1.5 trillion, decided to cut some “extra expenses” while preparing the ground for the reconfiguration of teams, showing that there is no room for “creative” innovations in the way of using benefits.
Meals or shopping? Here’s the question
THE Goallike many giants of the Silicon Valleyoffers free food to headquarters employees. For the poor mortals who work in smaller offices, the benefit comes in the form of daily credits on delivery apps. So far so good. The problem arose when some employees thought that the “meal voucher” could cover other needs, such as pharmacy products and household items. But the rule was clear: the credits had to be spent in the office, and not at home, as many had been doing.
The “way” didn’t go unnoticed
The fired workers were accused of abusing the payment system food credit. According to a source, some were accumulating credits as if it were a “savings fund”, while others decided to use the money for meals in the comfort of their own home. Result: mass layoffs. After all, “use the credits at the office” apparently means “use the credits at the office.”
Who never?
In a post on the website Blinda former employee confessed that he spent his 25 dollars diaries on items like toothpaste and tea. Seems like a small slip, doesn’t it? But not for Goal. He further reported that, with a salary of US$400 thousand yearly, she saw no harm in using dinner credits when her husband cooked at home. The company, however, saw things differently and fired him without batting an eyelid.
Goal: “Silence, please”
When searched, the Goal declined to comment on specific cases. Instead, the company opted for a generic statement, highlighting that the changes in teams aim to “align resources with long-term strategic objectives”. Translation: cuts and reallocations will continue, and food stamps will continue to be closely monitored. After all, food is not washing powder.
Zuckerberg and the “Year of Efficiency”
It is worth remembering that these dismissals are not an isolated case. Since 2022, Mark Zuckerberg has already eliminated around 21 thousand jobs. He himself dubbed 2023 the “year of efficiency” – which probably means “cutting expenses where possible”. In fact, many low priority projects were canceled in an attempt to ease the pockets of investors, worried about the expensive experiment of Goal node metaverse.
Cuts everywhere
While the Goal continues to navigate its “year of efficiency”, it is clear that cutting projects and laying off employees have become part of the routine. The company’s shares are on the rise, with each share worth around $577which indicates that perhaps Zuckerberg’s strategy is working. But employees who used food stamps to buy laundry detergent probably wouldn’t agree.
Meal voucher or problem voucher?
At this point, it is very likely that the Goal is rethinking its policy meal voucher. After all, what was supposed to be a help for lunch at the office became a reason for dismissals. Who knows, perhaps the company will decide to relax the rules or, at the very least, be clearer about what can or cannot be purchased with credit.
When being “smart” is expensive
If there’s one lesson from this story, it’s that trying to be too smart with the company’s benefits can be expensive. THE Goalwhich prides itself on its culture of efficiency, appears unwilling to let any violation, no matter how small, slide. In the end, even the way you spend your food stamps can end up costing you a job.
Summary for those in a hurry:
- Goal fired 24 employees in Los Angeles for using the meal voucher to purchase household items.
- The layoffs took place before the restructuring of the WhatsApp, Instagram and Reality Labs.
- Credits from 25 dollars They were supposed to be used in the office, but some employees were using them for meals and shopping at home.
- Reports on the website Blind show that employees used the credit for items such as toothpaste and tea.
- Goal did not comment on specific cases, but reaffirmed that the layoffs are part of its long-term strategy.
- Zuckerberg announced mass layoffs in 2022 and 2023, cutting more than 21 thousand jobs.
Source: Atrevida
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
