Meta warns employees: Low AI use could mean lower appraisals in 2026

Meta will formally rate employees on how effectively they use artificial intelligence in their work from 2026, marking one of the biggest shifts in its appraisal system in a decade. Business Insider reported that the company outlined the change in an internal memo circulated by Janelle Gale, Meta’s Head of People.

In the communication, Gale said “technology-driven impact” would become a core expectation, with employees required to demonstrate how AI enhances their output, speeds delivery, or improves results. The shift will influence promotions, raises and recognition across all roles.

The new metric deepens Meta’s push to become what chief executive Mark Zuckerberg has repeatedly called an AI-first company. Internal guidance cited by Business Insider said the company expects staff in engineering, marketing, operations and other functions to integrate automation and generative tools into everyday workflows.

Employees have been told to show evidence of AI boosting efficiency, creativity or problem-solving. The company described the change as a natural next step in aligning performance expectations with its long-term product and productivity strategy.

Meta will phase the policy in gradually. AI usage will not formally affect reviews until 2026, but employees are encouraged to begin including examples of AI-assisted work in self-evaluations this year. Business Insider reported that notable achievements may still receive informal recognition as managers prepare for the full rollout.

To ease the transition, Meta is introducing an AI Performance Assistant that will work alongside Metamate, its internal AI chatbot. The tool will help staff draft performance summaries, document AI-driven outcomes and track contributions throughout the year. Many workers already rely on Metamate for feedback and review preparation.

Part of a wider shift across the industry

Meta’s approach mirrors moves across the technology sector. Microsoft has made AI adoption a baseline expectation for employees, according to Business Insider. Google has instructed teams to redesign processes around AI-first principles, while Amazon is restructuring internal workflows to prioritise automation.

The industry trend suggests that AI proficiency is becoming a core professional skill rather than a specialist capability reserved for technical teams.

For Meta employees, annual reviews will become less about meeting deadlines or attending cross-functional meetings and more about documenting how AI contributed to tangible outcomes. Those who fail to show adoption of advanced tools may see slower progression or weaker appraisals once the new system is fully in place.

At the same time, Meta says the policy is designed to reward employees who deploy AI thoughtfully and measurably. The shift signals a future workplace in which collaboration with algorithms will be inseparable from career advancement.