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Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg is hiring a team of experts that can scale up the artificial intelligence system on the social media platform.

According to a report by Bloomberg, Zuckerberg is recruiting among the team of AI researchers and engineers who he met recently at his homes in Lake Tahoe and Palo Alto.

The billionaire businessman is assembling the secretive AI team, referred to as the "superintelligence group" internally.

The report citing sources said that Zuckerberg has a bigger plan this time to outstrip other tech firms in achieving what's is known as artificial general intelligence (AGI), the notion that machines can perform as well as humans at many tasks.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/meta-in-talks-to-invest-over-10-bn-in-scale-ai-69317.htm">Meta in talks to invest over $10 bn in Scale AI</a>

The Meta CEO founder has aimed to hire 50 people for the new AGI team, including a new head of AI research. 

Zuckerberg has also rearranged desks at Menlo Park to sit close with new staff.

He is strengthening his AI team in tandem with a planned multi-dollar investment in Scale AI, which offers data services to help companies train their models. Microsoft and Open AI are among the list of clients of Scale AI. 

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/former-meta-marketing-exec-gary-briggs-named-interim-head-of-marketing-at-openai-69298.htm">Former Meta marketing exec Gary Briggs named interim head of marketing at OpenAI</a>

Notably, Scale AI founder Alexandr Wang will also become part of Zuckerberg's new team after the deal is done. According to media reports, Meta is in talks with Scale AI about an investment that could exceed $10 billion. It is said to mark Meta's largest-ever investment outside expenditure on AI.

Zuckerberg has made AI the company's chief priority, announcing to spend up to $65 billion on related projects. He has also aimed to male Llama AI model the global industry standard.

Meta's Zuckerberg aims to revolutionize AI with 'Superintelligence group', to hire 50 experts

Global tech companies have laid off more than 60,000 employees as of June 2025, with Microsoft firing over 6,000 of its workforce alone. Apart from Microsoft, tech giants like Google, Intel, and the job search platform LinkedIn also laid off hundreds of staff until June 6. Companies attributed the layoff as part of cost-cutting measures, streamlining of work operations, and restructuring of global businesses among others.

Additionally, global uncertainty, tariff war, and inflationary pressures were the other key factors behind the layoffs.

According to the analysis by Storyboard18, the major layoffs happened in May, with more than 16,000 employees showing pink slips.

'Tech layoffs in 2025'

Microsoft fired more than 6,000 staff to streamline its operations, impacting majorly the middle management staff. CEO Satya Nadella highlighted that the job cuts were due to "reorganization rather than performance".

Meta also announced major job cuts this year. Billionaire Mark Zuckerberg-owned tech behemoth has announced to fire 3,600 employees as part of a performance-driven restructuring. Zuckerberg said the company will cut low-performing employees this year. Meanwhile, Meta has laid off employees from the Reality Labs division, which is responsible for developing apps and games for Quest VR headsets.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/microsoft-slashes-hundred-more-jobs-in-another-round-of-layoffs-68475.htm">Microsoft slashes hundred more jobs in another round of layoffs</a>

According to a Bloomberg report, Salesforce is another firm that has fired 1,000 staff in a restructuring exercise. 

Early this week, professional networking platform LinkedIn laid off 281 employees across California. The affected employees were mainly software engineers, product managers, and account directors.

Reports have also emerged that e-commerce giant Amazon is planning to cut 14,000 jobs this year. The company has already fired 200 employees in January 2025. It recently laid off 100 employees from its Deices and Service division.

Search engine giant Google trimmed around 200 jobs from its Global Business Organization, Pixel, Android, and Chrome divisions. 
<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/disney-hit-by-major-global-layoffs-across-tv-film-entertainment-corporate-finance-68454.htm">Disney hit by major global layoffs across TV & film entertainment, corporate finance</a>

The Walt Disney Company has also initiated job cuts across various departments. According to a BBC report, professionals in film, television, marketing, publicity, casting, corporate, and finance departments are impacted by the latest round of layoffs. The media giant eliminated 7,000 jobs in 2023 as part of a $5.5 billion cost-saving plan.

2025 tech layoffs: Microsoft, Google, LinkedIn among companies cutting thousands of jobs

Multinational consumer goods corporation, Procter & Gamble plans to layoff 15% of its global workforce over the next two years. The FMCG giant has planned to cut 7,000 jobs in non-manufacturing departments, according to a report by Wall Street Journal.

The maker of Tide detergent and Pampers diapers is grappling with weakening consumer demand and higher costs from tariffs. In April, P&G  reported a decline in quarterly sales and lowered its fiscal-year sales forecast.

During the quarterly earnings call, the company said that to tackle the tariffs, it would consider "cost-cutting measures, alter product formulations, and raise prices on some items".

However, P&G said the layoffs are not intended to reduce costs but to improve organizational efficiencies. According to WSJ,  P&G said, "Job cuts are part of a broader reorganization to create a better work structure, with broader roles and smaller teams".

The FMCG firm has narrowed the number of categories of its daily-use products. Last year it sold its Vidal Sassoon hair care brand in China. 

In the past few years, P&G has divested smaller brands in Europe and Latin America as well to streamline its business.

P&G plans to cut 7,000 jobs in non-manufacturing departments over 2 years

Diversity hiring has witnessed a strong momentum in India's white-collar job market in the past year. According to a report by the job platform foundit (formerly Monster APAC & ME), a 24% increase in YoY diversity hiring was seen in India, led by a surge in the consumer electronics sector, and logistics & transportation sector.

Across the key groups, women constituted the largest share at 68% for diversity hiring. Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) accounted for 5%, indicating ongoing efforts to enhance accessibility and inclusion. The broader Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) category—which now includes LGBTQIA+ individuals, women, PwDs, and other underrepresented groups—stands at 27%.

The share of women in diversity hiring grew from 53% to 68% this year, the job platform said.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/media-entertainment-sector-sees-18-hiring-surge-in-may-naukri-68339.htm">Media & Entertainment sector sees 18% hiring surge in May: Naukri</a>

Sector-wise, IT-Software & Services led in D&I hiring at 23%, followed by BFSI at 21%, Consulting & Analytics at 12%, ITES & BPO at 10% and Pharma at 8%, respectively.

The software & services sector grew its share of diversity hiring from 19% to 23%, while BFSI dipped from 30% to 21% over the last year. Sectors like e-commerce, retail, telecom, FMCG, and manufacturing are also advancing on their DEI journeys, the report mentioned.

"Encouragingly, diversity hiring has evolved into a strategic priority, with organizations embedding inclusion into core HR practices to drive meaningful representation for women, Persons with Disabilities, and other underrepresented groups," Anupama Bhimrajka, VP of Marketing at foundit said.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/hiring-activity-surges-in-ipo-bound-firms-meesho-zepto-others-add-15500-employees-in-12-months-61217.htm">Hiring activity surges in IPO-bound firms; Meesho, Zepto, others add 15,500 employees in 12 months</a>

The women-centric hiring was majorly seen in metro cities, driven by proactive initiatives in BFSI and IT leadership pipelines. Notably, companies based out in Mumbai and Pune are offering structured return-to-work programs and implementing diversity quotas in mid-to-senior management roles.

In terms of hiring Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), Delhi/NCR and Bengaluru are leading the way, particularly in roles across operations, HR, and government contracts.

India sees 24% YoY rise in diversity hiring: foundit report

Good Glamm Group has delayed employee salaries for the second consecutive month, citing ongoing financial struggles, according to reports. Despite earlier assurances that April and May salaries would be disbursed together in June, employees had not received payments as of June 3, creating uncertainty across the company.

The delay has also impacted former employees, with full and final settlements still pending. 

The company has reportedly been unable to secure new funding since January, with several anticipated investments falling through. In a bid to manage liquidity, Good Glamm has explored selling off portfolio brands — including discussions to return Organic Harvest to its original founders.

Read More:<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/breaking-good-glamm-group-sees-silent-layoffs-amid-financial-woes-and-strategy-missteps-54345.htm" rel="noopener" target="_blank">BREAKING: Good Glamm Group sees silent layoffs amid financial woes and strategy missteps</a>

The financial strain has triggered a wave of exits, including that of former chief people officer Kartik Rao, who has since joined AI recruitment startup Vahan.ai. Freelancers, too, have raised red flags. Copywriter Babita Bharati posted on LinkedIn that she is yet to receive Rs 18,100 for work done with The Moms Co, blaming delays on pending investor funding.

As part of its restructuring, Good Glamm shut down its Vasant Kunj office earlier this year, briefly moved to Greater Kailash, and has since transitioned to a remote model. It is also in advanced talks to sell MissMalini Entertainment to Creativefuel, a marketing agency. Earlier, it sold Sirona back to its founders for Rs 150 crore — a steep markdown from its Rs 450 crore acquisition cost.

Investor confidence appears to have waned. Representatives from Accel, Prosus Ventures, and Bessemer Venture Partners resigned from the company’s board in January. While Good Glamm did raise $30 million in March to support working capital, a larger funding round remains elusive.

Read More:<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/good-glamm-group-fails-to-pay-laid-off-employees-delays-current-staff-salaries-shuts-two-offices-64475.htm" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Good Glamm Group's laid-off employees' F&F not settled, staff salaries delayed, two offices shuttered</a>

Good Glamm delays salaries for second month amid financial struggles

Job platform Naukri has revealed a robust trend in hiring in May this year, led by accounting and finance, Gems & Jewellery, and Media & Entertainment industries.

The hiring in the gems & jewellery secto increased by 25% while in accounting/ Finance it rose by 20% in May 2025 on a year-on-year basis.

Additionally, the hiring sector also remained positive in Media& Industry sector at 18% in the same duration. 

According to the Naukri JobSpeak May 2025 report, white-collar hiring remained stable with Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learnings (AI/ML) roles (25%) most in demand across industries, alongside senior professionals.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/71-cmos-to-invest-over-10m-annually-in-genai-for-next-three-years-bcg-68345.htm">71% CMOs to invest over $10M annually in GenAI for next three years: BCG</a>

Moreover, sentiments for freshers hiring also remained strong in the non-IT sector, especially the media, insurance, and real estate sectors.

Notably, job sentiments in the IT sector remained subdued with 5% de-growth in hiring in May 2025. The animation sector was the biggest hit with a 25% drop in hiring in May this year, followed by the recruitment industry at 19%.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/air-india-revamps-workforce-lowers-average-cabin-crew-age-to-29-68336.htm">Air India revamps workforce, lowers average cabin crew age to 29</a>

Among cities, Hyderabad and Kochi witnessed 7% and 8% growth respectively, majorly driven by senior-level hiring with employees above 16 years of experience.

Pune also witnessed a surge in hiring at 4%, with a sharp rise in startups hiring at 26%.

Naukri's Chief Business Officer, Dr Pawan Goyal said, "In an otherwise stable job market, what stood out in May was the continued momentum in AI/ML hiring across metros alongside steady demand for senior professionals. It is also interesting to witness fresher hiring gain ground in non-tech industries which modes well for young talent".

Media & Entertainment sector sees 18% hiring surge in May: Naukri

While the quick commerce sector has continued its blitz through India’s urban landscapes, it is facing a severe challenge of high attrition among the gig workforce. The massive volatility in the delivery workforce has remained a structural challenge in quick commerce and ecommerce platforms, such as Flipkart, Amazon, Zepto, Blinkit, and Swiggy Instamart, According to a report by TeamLease Services, as many as 31% of the employers have lamented over the voluntary exits of gig workers. 

While there can be multiple reasons for high attrition, the report underscored that "platform-switching behavior, lack of long-term incentives, and the transitory nature of gig work," are the key factors the behind this trend.

Notably, the increased cost pressure has impacted the wages of the workers. Factors such as customer acquisition offers, free returns, and tight delivery deadlines have compressed the margins of e-commerce and quick commerce platforms. 

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/57-of-gig-workers-find-15-minute-deliveries-stressful-borzo-report-63003.htm">57% of gig workers find 15-minute deliveries stressful: Borzo report</a>

The report mentioned, "Platforms are finding it harder to balance wage inflation in metros and tier-1 cities with sustainable unit economics. The competition is fierce—and every rupee saved or lost at the labor level adds up at scale".

The other major human resource challenge for quick commerce companies is 'time-bound hiring'. 25% of employers said that delays in onboarding can elevate churn risk. 

'Expansion in gig roles'

Further, the report observed a the rise in job roles of gig workers, which is no more confined to delivery riders or freelancers, but is evolving into a strategic muscle across high-skill domains. 

According to the report, 64% of employers report rising gig adoption in sales and customer service. Companies are leaning on contractual CX agents, outsourced telesales teams, and platform-based service models. Gig-based support also rising for inventory turnover, just-in-time logistics, and micro-fulfillment is gaining ground, especially in FMCG, Q-commerce, and D2C ecosystems.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/the-high-price-of-ratings-gig-workers-struggle-under-arbitrary-review-systems-62651.htm">The high price of ratings: Gig workers struggle under arbitrary review systems</a>

Besides, finance and accounting are also relying on gig professionals for short-cycle needs such as internal audits, reconciliations, and regulatory filings—particularly around tax season support or compliance projects. Around 33% of the employers are now using gig talent in strategic domains—from product design and UX research to market entry consulting and GTM strategy. 

According to Kartik Narayan, CEO-Staffing, TeamLease Services, "The future lies not in simply expanding headcount, but in shaping highly specialized, flexible teams that can scale, evolve, and thrive amid continuous market shifts. By fostering such talent ecosystems, companies will not only adapt but will lead India’s workforce into a new era of growth and opportunity".

Quick commerce faces high attrition challenge of gig workforce: TeamLease

A user on the social media platform Reddit has raised concerns about alleged pressure from a manager at Amazon to resign ahead of anticipated layoffs. The post, which appeared on the subreddit r/IndianWorkplace, quickly attracted attention for its depiction of internal turmoil at the e-commerce giant.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/ai-surge-human-cost-thousands-of-jobs-lost-in-2025-as-layoffs-accelerate-66214.htm">AI surge, human cost: Thousands of jobs lost in 2025 as layoffs accelerate</a>

Posting anonymously, the individual claimed to hold a Level 3, non-technical position at Amazon and described a recent conversation with a manager. According to the account, the manager warned that termination by human resources was likely within the week and advised the employee to submit a resignation immediately.

“So I am in an L3 role at Amazon (nontech) and I just had a call with my manager that there is a pretty good chance that the HR will terminate me by Friday or max next week, so it's best to self-resign and is asking me to resign by today as per the instructions given to her,” the user wrote.

The poster added that the manager assured him resignation would spare him the obligation of serving a notice period, while still receiving the equivalent compensation.

Yet the employee expressed hesitation, noting that Amazon typically issues annual bonuses in late May. “Here is my concern—we get the yearly bonus in May every year and I am scared that I won't be getting the bonus in addition to my salary,” the post continued.

The Reddit user also claimed that termination could result in blacklisting from future employment opportunities at the company.

While the post does not provide any identifying details or independent verification of the user's employment, it has sparked a flurry of responses from the Reddit community, many of whom cautioned against resignation.

“If you resign, you have to serve the notice period. If you get terminated then you get severance,” one commenter wrote.

Another added, “Don’t resign! You won’t get severance in that case. You will still be blacklisted internally as a ‘bad hire.’ Your manager is trying to save money for severance. Don’t fall for that.”

Amazon has not commented publicly on the post, and it remains unclear whether the account reflects broader trends within the company. The tech giant has undergone multiple rounds of layoffs over the past two years as part of wider cost-cutting initiatives.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/digital/google-engineer-responds-to-microsoft-layoffs-says-tech-pays-5x-more-than-government-jobs-65993.htm">Google Engineer responds to Microsoft layoffs, says ‘Tech pays 5x more than government jobs’</a>

'Resign now or get laid off later?' Employee shares puzzling situation on Reddit

An employee's body, working at Artificial Intelligence startup Krutrim, has been found at Agara Lake in Bengaluru. Company's founder Bhavish Aggarwal has confirmed the death of Nikhil Somwanshi, who was a 25-year-old machine learning engineer at Krutrim.

Aggarwal described the incident as a "tragic passing".

Additionally, a Krutrim spokesperson told media, "We are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of one of our most talented young employees, Nikhil, on the 8th of May. Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies are with his family, friends, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time".

Further, the spokesperson ensured that the company would offer support to the family of the deceased. 

"As a company, we are heartbroken by this loss. Nikhil was a valued team member, and his absence will be deeply felt by all who knew and worked with him," the spokesperson added.

Nikhil joined Krutrim, the AI company owned by Ola, in August 2024.

According to media reports, Nikhil was a bright student who completed his master's degree from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru. He scored a 9.30 GPA. 

However, post Nikhil's death, unnamed users on platforms like Reddit have alleged that his death was a suicide due to the toxic work culture at Krutrim.

A Reddit user named 'Kirgawakutzo' alleged that Nikhil's manager, Rajkiran Panuganti, routinely used "traumatic" language toward new recruits, fostered a hostile atmosphere, and created a toxic work environment that led to multiple team resignations.

A Business Standard report mentioned that several Krutrim employees also described the manager's behaviour as 'aggressive', who used to belittle junior employees, and labeled them as incompetent. 

In another media report, a former Krutrim employee said that the manager always used to shout at employees and had no management skills.

Storyboard18 could not independently verify the claims made in the Reddit post.

Last year, Anna Sebastian Perayil, a chartered accountant at Ernst & Young (EY), tragically passed away, four months after joining the firm. 

The parents of a 26-year-old employee alleged that the "overwhelming work pressure" at her new job took a toll on her health and led to her death.

According to a report by YourDOST, an emotional and mental wellness startup, more than 64% of employees between 21 and 30 face stress. The report found that employees under extreme stress decrease with age. For instance, 53% of employees between 40-50 years face workplace-related stress. YourDOST data indicates that relationship problems and self-improvement rank highest among reasons people seek counseling, followed by career anxiety.

Krutrim employee found dead in Bengaluru lake, company issues statement

IPO-bound Urban Company's founders took home a salary of nearly Rs 1 crore in fiscal year 2025. The remuneration of founders Abhiraj Singh Bhal, Raghav Chandra, and Varun Khaitan in FY25 was Rs 1.45 crore each, respectively. 

Bhal is the Chairperson, Managing Director, and Chief Executive Officer of Urban Company. He was re-designated as the Managing Director following a resolution passed on 19 February 2025. Bhal's period as the MD of Urban Company will end in 2030. According to the Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) of the Gurugram-based firm, Bhal is entitled to a fixed remuneration of Rs 2 crore per annum. Bhal is responsible for overall strategy, business growth, market expansion, operations, and investor relations in the company. He is the chairperson of the Confederation of Indian Industry’s Unicorn Forum and a member of the National Startup Advisory Council. He was previously associated with the Boston Consulting Group and has over 13 years of experience.

On the other hand, Chandra is the Executive Director and Chief Technology and Product Officer, and Khaitan is the Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer at Urban Company. Both Chandra and Khaitan are entitled to a fixed remuneration of Rs 2 crore per annum. Chandra, who holds a bachelor’s degree in science from the University of California, Berkeley, foresees product technology, design, and automation at Urban Company. Whereas, Khaitan is responsible for business operations across the services and products business in India and overseas. He was previously associated with Qualcomm Incorporated and the Boston Consulting Group.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/ipo-bound-urban-company-ramps-up-sales-ad-expenses-to-maintain-brand-strength-consumer-retention-64687.htm">IPO-bound Urban Company ramps up sales, ad expenses to maintain brand strength, consumer retention</a>


'Remuneration of C-Suite executives'

As per the Urban Company's DRHP, Chief Financial Officer Abhay Krishna Mathur was paid an aggregate compensation of Rs 2.15 crore in FY25. Mukund Kulashekaran, Chief Business Officer at UC, was paid an aggregate compensation of Rs 1.77 crore in FY25. Before joining Urban Company, Kulashekaran was associated with ITC Limited, Boston, Consulting Group (India) Private Limited, and Zomato Limited.


'Changes in Urban Company's board'

Urban Company saw the exit of three non-executive nominee directors in 2024, including Vishal Vijay Gupta, Ravi Chandra Adusumalli, and Abhinav Chaturvedi. In contrast, the app-based beauty and home service provider appointed Vamsi Krishna Duvvuri in the same position in 2024. 

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/urban-company-files-drhp-for-rs-1900-crore-ipo-63679.htm">Urban Company files DRHP for Rs 1,900 crore IPO, earmarks Rs 80 crore for marketing biz</a>
Urban Company filed the DRHP with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) last week. The unicorn startup plans to raise Rs 1,900 crore via public listing. 

From the raised amount, Urban Company will be allocating Rs 190 crore for the development of new technology and cloud infrastructure. The service platform has earmarked Rs 70 crore towards lease payments for office spaces, Rs 80 crore for marketing initiatives, and the remaining funds for general corporate purposes.

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