Canva Cuts or Moves 1,271 Roles in Major Restructure

Canva is cutting or relocating more than 1,200 jobs, a move that affects 22% of its global employees.

The design software company announced the restructure on Wednesday, citing a need to collapse management layers and bring teams together in person. The changes will impact 1,271 staff members worldwide.

Chief Executive Melanie Perkins described the decision in an email to employees as the hardest moment in the company’s thirteen-year history. She acknowledged that the shift would require some workers to change roles or relocate to centralized hubs. Perkins also noted that the company would be saying goodbye to teammates who helped build the platform.

The restructure follows a wider trend in the technology sector where firms are adapting to competition from artificial intelligence. Other companies in the same space have recently reduced their staff. Atlassian cut 1,600 positions, while Block and WiseTech Global also announced job losses.

Perkins stated that the company is committed to supporting those asked to relocate. She said the process would include comprehensive assistance to make the transition as smooth as possible. The company did not specify the exact number of layoffs versus relocations in the public email.

Employees who leave the company will receive at least six months of salary. They will also retain healthcare coverage for an additional 12 months in countries where that benefit is standard. Departing staff are allowed to keep their company laptops.

Those exiting Canva may also apply for grants to start their own businesses. The company offers grants of US$10,000, or A$14,000, for this purpose. Unlike some peers, Canva did not explicitly cite AI in its announcement, though the company has long been a candidate for a Nasdaq listing.