Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is optimizing its operations in Lagos by reducing its office space and introducing a desk-sharing program. That's, the company is reducing its real estate footprint to transition some employees to desk sharing, particularly those who spend little time at work. This move comes as the company renegotiates its lease at the Kings Tower building in Ikoyi.
Meta announced via a statement that it regularly reviews its office spaces to ensure they meet the needs of the business, including its office in Nigeria.
We are constantly evaluating our real estate footprint to ensure it aligns with our evolving business needs," said a Meta spokesperson. "As part of this process, we are transitioning to a desk-sharing model for employees whose roles primarily allow for remote work.
This decision follows recent changes to Meta's workforce structure in Nigeria. In April 2023, the company implemented layoffs, including its engineering team, as regional engineering support transitioned to global hubs.
Recall that in April 2023, Meta announced a mass layoff affecting up to 4,000 employees across its technical teams, including those working on Facebook, Instagram, Reality Labs, and WhatsApp. This followed CEO Mark Zuckerberg's February 2023 announcement that the company would cut 10,000 more jobs in the coming months, a continuation of the layoffs that began in November 2022.
The desk-sharing program aims to maximize space utilization while accommodating employees who benefit from occasional in-office collaboration. Meta maintains its commitment to Nigeria, emphasizing continued investment in strategic initiatives.
This development comes alongside similar adjustments within the tech industry. Recently, Microsoft clarified closures at its Lagos office, specifying that only the engineering team within the Microsoft Africa Development Centre (ADC) was affected. Broader Microsoft Nigeria operations remain unchanged.
In an additional report, Meta stressed that the recent developments will not impact its ongoing investments. The company stated, "We are firmly committed to Nigeria and are making focused, balanced investments to support our most strategic long-term priorities." During a visit to Nigeria, Nick Clegg, Meta's President of Global Affairs, announced that Nigerian content creators would soon have new opportunities to monetise their content, with new options and features being released in June 2024.
Meta's focus on optimizing its physical workspace reflects a growing trend towards flexible work arrangements within the tech sector. By implementing a desk-sharing program, Meta aims to create a cost-effective environment that caters to its evolving workforce needs.