Meta Fires Employees Over Misuse of Meal Vouchers
Meta Platforms, Inc. has recently come under scrutiny for terminating around two dozen employees at its Los Angeles office due to the misuse of meal vouchers. This incident highlights the company's strict enforcement of its policies amidst ongoing challenges, including a significant increase in account thefts reported by U.S. attorneys general earlier this year. The affected employees reportedly used their meal vouchers, which are intended for food purchases during work hours, to buy household items such as toothpaste and laundry detergent, violating company policy.
The meal vouchers, valued at up to $25 each, are designed to be used exclusively for meals ordered through delivery apps like Uber Eats or Grubhub. One high-earning employee, making approximately $400,000 annually, admitted to purchasing non-food items with these credits, leading to her dismissal after an HR investigation. This incident raises questions about employee compliance and the potential for abuse of company benefits, particularly as Meta navigates a restructuring phase that has already seen significant layoffs in recent years.
Context and Implications of the Layoffs
Meta's recent actions come at a time when the company is grappling with various internal and external challenges, including the termination of support for its Workplace platform by August 2025. The meal vouchers are part of a generous benefits package that includes $20 for breakfast, $25 for lunch, and another $25 for dinner, totaling about $65 a day for meals. While employees at Meta's Silicon Valley headquarters enjoy free meals, those in smaller offices rely on meal credits for food delivery.
This incident not only underscores the importance of adhering to company policy but also serves as a reminder of the broader implications of workplace culture and employee behavior within large tech firms. As Meta continues to restructure its operations, the focus on compliance and accountability may become increasingly critical in maintaining a productive work environment.
