Meta is making a major shift in how it evaluates employees. Starting in 2026, the company plans to formally include an AI-driven performance metric in employee reviews. This means that how effectively employees use artificial intelligence to enhance their work will play a role in promotions, raises, and recognition.
In an internal memo accessed by Business Insider, Janelle Gale, Meta’s Head of People, informed employees that “technology-driven impact” will be a key requirement starting in 2026.
The company expects everyone—from engineering and marketing to operations—to show how they are using advanced tools and automation to work more efficiently, deliver faster, and achieve stronger results.
Why the change in employee evaluation policy?
This move by Meta aligns with CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s goal of turning Meta into an AI-first organization. Since the company expects all employees, across departments from engineering to marketing, to integrate AI usage into their workflows and demonstrate proper results. According to Meta’s internal communication, employees will now need to show how AI tools help them work more efficiently, creatively, and impactful.
How are employees reacting to this decision?
Meta is allowing a transition period through the end of 2025 to all the employees. During this time, AI usage in performance will not be counted officially in reviews. Moreover, employees are encouraged, to highlight examples of how they used different models of AI in their self-evaluations. Although it may be informal this year, notable AI-driven achievements may still receive recognition, by Meta which will be preparing staff for the full implementation next year.
What are the Tools recommended to employees?
Meta in an effort to help employees adjust to this new evaluation policy is introducing an AI Performance Assistant. This tool will integrate with Meta’s AI chatbot, Metamate, as well as external AI solutions, assisting employees in drafting performance summaries and tracking AI-driven outcomes. Many employees have already been using Metamate for writing reviews, and the new system aims to streamline the process further.
Growing trend of AI in modern workplaces?
Meta’s approach reflects a broader industry trend. Leading tech companies are increasingly tying employee success to AI adoption:
Microsoft has made AI usage a core expectation for employees.
Google emphasizes AI integration as central to maintaining a competitive edge.
Amazon is reconfiguring internal processes to prioritize AI-first workflows.
Implications for Employees
For Meta employees, performance evaluations will gradually shift from traditional productivity measures like meeting deadlines or attending meetings toward how effectively they use AI to improve work. Success will increasingly depend on demonstrating tangible AI impact, making collaboration with algorithms a key factor in career growth.
In essence, Meta is signaling that in the future workplace, employees who can harness AI effectively will have a significant advantage, shaping not only individual careers but also the company’s overall efficiency and innovation.
