Canva cuts or moves 1,271 jobs in 22% workforce shakeup

Employees of the graphic design platform Canva face a major shakeup that affects more than one-fifth of the company’s staff. The Australian-founded firm will cut or relocate 1,271 positions, accounting for 22% of its global workforce. These changes take effect as part of a broader restructuring effort designed to centralize operations.

Chief Executive Melanie Perkins told staff in an email on Wednesday that this marks the toughest period in the company’s thirteen-year history. She explained that some employees will have their roles changed or be asked to move to centralized hubs. Others will be let go, including team members who helped build the platform from its early days.

The company aims to collapse management layers and bring more teams together in person. Perkins noted that relocating is a large decision for those asked to consider it. The firm is committed to making that process as smooth as possible with comprehensive support, though she did not specify the exact number of people losing their jobs.

Departing employees will receive at least six months of salary. They will also keep healthcare coverage for an additional 12 months in countries where that benefit is standard. Those leaving can retain their company laptops and may apply for a US$10,000 grant to start their own ventures.

Canva is one of Australia’s most successful startups and has been viewed as a likely candidate for a large Nasdaq listing. The move adds to a recent wave of restructures in the technology sector. Other companies, including Atlassian, Block, and WiseTech Global, have also cut jobs or reorganized in the past year.

While many software firms are adopting AI tools to stay competitive against cheaper alternatives, Canva did not mention artificial intelligence in its announcement. The company is focusing instead on physical consolidation and internal efficiency as it adjusts its business model.