Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has reportedly terminated around 24 employees at its Los Angeles offices for misusing their meal credits, which are valued at $25 (£19). The dismissals followed an investigation that uncovered employees using these credits for non-food items, including toothpaste, laundry detergent, and wine glasses.
The investigation revealed that some workers were abusing the system by sending food home when they weren’t in the office. One employee, who earns $400,000 annually, admitted to using the meal credits for household goods and groceries like toothpaste and tea. They shared their experience on the anonymous messaging platform Blind, stating, “On days where I would not be eating at the office… I figured I ought not to waste the dinner credit.” This worker was ultimately fired after acknowledging their misconduct during the HR investigation.
While some employees received warnings for occasionally violating the rules, they were allowed to keep their jobs. The practice of providing free food has been a longstanding perk in large tech firms. Meta typically offers free meals at its larger locations, including its headquarters in Silicon Valley, while smaller sites provide daily credits for food delivery services.
The recent firings come amid a broader restructuring plan at Meta, which has involved layoffs and relocations within its WhatsApp, Instagram, and augmented reality divisions. The company has recently undergone significant job cuts, with CEO Mark Zuckerberg announcing the elimination of 21,000 positions in 2022 and 2023, leaving Meta with approximately 70,799 employees as of June this year.
Meta Fires 24 Employees For Using Meal Credits For Non-Food Items At Los Angeles Offices.