Canva cuts or relocates 1,271 jobs, 22 percent of staff

Canva is making major changes that affect 1,271 people, or 22 percent of its staff. Co-founder and chief executive Melanie Perkins announced the changes on 4 November.

In a note to staff, Perkins said that for some people the changes would mean new roles or a move to centralised hubs. "Sadly, it will also mean saying goodbye to teammates and friends who have helped build Canva into what it is today," she said. She called the job cuts "without doubt the hardest moment in our thirteen-year history".

Perkins wrote that the company had explored many options before reaching its decision. "Small changes won't be enough," she said. She added that Canva needed to "refound" itself to prepare for the next decade and return to its roots of small, focused teams.

Pressure across the tech sector

The restructure follows a pattern across the technology industry. Software companies are working to stay competitive against cheaper artificial intelligence tools, while also adding AI features to their own products. Canva, which was founded in Australia, offers an online design platform used by individuals and businesses around the world.

The changes will also affect staff who helped build the company from its early years. Perkins acknowledged that some of those colleagues would leave.

What it means for readers in India

Canva has a large base of users in India, and its products are widely used by students, freelancers and small businesses. The announcement does not say whether any roles in India are affected, or how many.

Canva has not said how the cuts will be spread across its offices or which teams are most affected. It also has not given details of any severance or support for staff who leave. Those details are likely to matter most to the people directly affected.