Losing a job is never easy. But what happens when a company announces one of its biggest workforce reductions and offers employees an unusual exit package? Canva is making headlines after announcing a major restructuring that will affect 1,271 employees, or around 22% of its workforce. The company is offering departing staff at least six months’ salary, healthcare support, career assistance and even the option to keep their company-issued MacBooks.
The announcement has drawn attention not just because of the scale of the changes, but also because of the support Canva has promised to those leaving. CEO Melanie Perkins described the decision as the hardest moment in the company’s 13-year history.
Free MacBooks, Six Months’ Salary And More
Canva’s exit package goes beyond a standard severance payment. Employees who leave as part of the restructuring will receive at least six months’ salary, including statutory entitlements, irrespective of their location.
And yes, they can keep their company-issued MacBooks. The company explained that not everyone owns a personal laptop, and it wants departing employees to have a device as they move towards their next opportunity.
There is also continued healthcare coverage for 12 months in countries where Canva currently provides this benefit. Employees and their families will retain access to Canva Care, its employee assistance programme, for the same period. The company is also offering one year of LinkedIn Premium, individual career coaching and interview preparation. Its Talent Acquisition team will help affected employees with resume reviews and interview practice.
$10,000 To Employees Who Want To Start Something New
One of the more interesting parts of the announcement is the Canva Collective Fund. Through this initiative, departing employees interested in starting their own businesses or working on community projects can apply for grants of US$10,000.
Canva says it will not take ownership or equity in anything created through these grants. Employees interested in the initiative have until December 14 to register. The company is also setting up an alumni talent directory. Participating former employees can have their profiles shared with investors, partners and Canva’s wider professional network to help them find new opportunities.
Why Is Canva Cutting Its Workforce?
The restructuring is not simply about reducing employee numbers. Canva wants to change how its teams work and make decisions. According to Melanie Perkins, the company has experienced its first slowdown in growth in a decade. It believes the existing organisational structure needs a major rethink rather than a few small adjustments.
Canva plans to bring its Product, Growth and Platform teams together under a unified product organisation. The idea is to reduce unnecessary coordination between departments and give smaller teams greater ownership of their work.
The company is also changing where its employees work. Sydney will become the primary base for more of its product teams. From January 2027, most employees under its hybrid working arrangement will be expected to work from the office around two to three days a week, depending on their location and role.
Are All 1,271 Employees Losing Their Jobs?
Not exactly. This is an important distinction in Canva’s announcement. The restructuring will affect 1,271 people, representing 22% of its workforce. However, the figure includes employees whose roles will change or who may be asked to relocate to centralised hubs. Others will leave the company.
Canva has not disclosed the exact number of employees who will lose their jobs. The changes will also involve different processes across its operations in 37 countries. The company has said it will hold individual conversations with affected employees to explain their options and the support available.
Conclusion
Canva’s decision marks a major turning point for the design platform. While the company wants to build smaller teams and simplify its operations, the restructuring will affect a significant number of employees who helped build its global business.
The six-month salary package, free MacBooks, healthcare support and $10,000 grants stand out. But they do not change the reality that many employees now have to prepare for a new chapter in their careers. For Canva, the challenge will be proving that this difficult restructuring can deliver the simpler and more focused organisation it is aiming to build.
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