Canva announces restructuring affecting 22% of workforce

Australian design software company Canva has announced a major global restructuring that will affect 1,271 employees, representing approximately 22% of its total workforce. CEO Melanie Perkins described the move as the most difficult moment in the company’s 13-year history. The reorganization involves folding the growth and marketing units into the product division, impacting marketing, creative, and communications teams globally, including several roles in Australia.

To support departing staff, Canva is providing a severance package that includes at least six months of salary, 12 months of healthcare coverage in applicable regions, and access to the Canva Care employee assistance program. The company is also offering career coaching, interview preparation, and a year of LinkedIn Premium.

In an unusual move, Canva is launching the Canva Collective Fund, which provides $10,000 grants to departing employees to start businesses or community projects without the company taking any equity. Additionally, employees are being allowed to keep their company-issued MacBooks.