Canva cuts over 1,200 jobs after 'hardest year'
Australian firm Canva has cut 1,271 jobs, about 22% of its staff, citing its 'hardest moment' in 13 years due to slowing growth and market changes.
The Cliff News | 4 November 2026
Canva, the Australian-based design software company, has initiated substantial workforce reductions, impacting 1,271 employees, which represents approximately 22% of its global staff. This decision follows a period the company's co-founder and CEO, Melanie Perkins, described as the 'hardest moment' in its 13-year existence.
The graphic design platform communicated these significant changes through an extensive email to its employees, a message that was subsequently made public on the company's newsroom website. The restructuring effort comes as Canva navigates a landscape of slowing growth and seeks to reposition its organizational structure for its anticipated 'next chapter'.
Organizational Restructuring Amidst Growth Challenges
In her communication, Perkins expressed profound apologies to the affected employees for the pain and disruption caused by the layoffs. The company stated that these changes are a necessary step to adapt to evolving market conditions and to streamline operations for future expansion and innovation.
Canva, which has grown substantially since its inception, is now facing the realities of a more competitive and dynamic market. The decision to reduce its workforce underscores a strategic pivot to ensure long-term sustainability and adaptability.
CEO's Message and Future Outlook
The lengthy message from CEO Melanie Perkins detailed the rationale behind the difficult decision, acknowledging the immense contributions of those leaving the company. The announcement also outlined Canva's commitment to supporting the laid-off employees through this transition period, though specific details of this support were not immediately elaborated.
The company's leadership emphasized that this restructuring is aimed at creating a more agile and efficient organization capable of meeting future challenges and capitalizing on emerging opportunities within the digital design and collaboration space.