Canva is reorganizing its product operations after its chief executive reported the company’s first growth slowdown in a decade, affecting 1,271 employees through departures, role changes or relocation requests.
The affected employees account for 22% of the design software company’s workforce. Canva has not disclosed how many will lose their jobs.
Canva co-founder and CEO Melanie Perkins said responsibilities had become divided across teams, creating handovers that slowed work. The company plans to bring Product, Growth and Platform into one Product organization and simplify organizational layers. Perkins said the new structure is intended to give teams clearer responsibility for larger pieces of work.
Sydney will become the main base for more product roles. Canva has not given a figure for employees who may be asked to relocate. Starting in January, it expects most hybrid staff to work from an office about two to three days a week.
Canva says employees who leave will receive pay equal to at least six months’ salary, counting statutory entitlements toward that amount. Where it already provides health coverage, the company plans to continue the benefit for 12 months. It also outlined career and well-being support for departing staff.
The company is launching the Canva Collective Fund, which will offer US$10,000 grants for business or community projects. Departing employees can register interest by Dec. 14. Canva has scheduled a company-wide meeting for Nov. 10, followed by organization-wide meetings beginning Nov. 11.
