Canva Announces Major Restructuring Impacting 1,271 Employees
Graphic design giant initiates first organizational overhaul in 13 years with comprehensive severance support.
1First Major Restructuring
Canva has initiated its first significant organizational overhaul in its 13-year history. This restructuring impacts 1,271 employees, representing 22% of the total workforce. CEO Melanie Perkins communicated the decision on November 4, citing a need to reassess required skills and team locations to better align with the company's future operational goals.
2Severance and Financial Support
The company is providing a robust severance package to all departing staff members. Every affected employee will receive a minimum of six months' salary, regardless of their geographic location. Additionally, Canva is waiving the one-year vesting cliff for staff who joined within the last 12 months, ensuring equitable financial treatment for newer hires.
3Healthcare and Asset Retention
Canva will maintain healthcare benefits for departing employees for a period of 12 months in regions where these services are currently offered. Furthermore, the company allows all exiting staff to retain their company-issued Apple MacBooks. This policy acknowledges that not every employee has access to a personal laptop for their future professional endeavors.
4Career Transition Assistance
To support professional mobility, Canva is offering a one-year LinkedIn Premium subscription to all impacted individuals. The company is also providing personalized career coaching and dedicated interview preparation sessions. These resources are designed to help departing staff navigate the job market effectively while transitioning into new roles within their respective professional industries.
5Alumni Talent Directory
Canva is launching an alumni talent directory to facilitate networking for those leaving the organization. This platform will be shared with the company's investors, business partners, and industry contacts. By voluntarily joining this directory, former employees can increase their visibility and access potential future opportunities through Canva’s established professional network and ecosystem.
6Canva Collective Fund
The company has established the Canva Collective Fund to support departing employees interested in entrepreneurship. Eligible individuals can receive grants of US$10,000 to launch their own ventures. Canva has explicitly stated that it will not seek any equity or ownership stakes in the businesses or projects created through these specific financial grants.
7Operational and Role Shifts
Beyond layoffs, the restructuring involves team relocations and a fundamental reassessment of organizational roles. Some employees are being asked to move to centralized hubs to improve operational efficiency. CEO Melanie Perkins expressed regret over the disruption, emphasizing that these changes are necessary to redefine the company's structure and future skill requirements.
8Strategic Organizational Impact
This restructuring marks a pivotal shift in Canva’s long-term strategy. By balancing significant workforce reductions with comprehensive support packages, the company aims to mitigate the impact on its culture. The focus remains on aligning human capital with evolving business needs while maintaining professional relationships with the departing talent pool through alumni support.
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