Canva cuts 22% of its staff as it overhauls operations

Canva disclosed a sweeping reorganization that will impact 1,271 workers, about 22 % of its worldwide workforce, according to co‑founder and CEO Melanie Perkins.

Perkins explained that the restructuring will combine role changes with the potential relocation of some staff to centralized office hubs. "For some people, this will mean changes to their roles or being asked to relocate to centralized hubs," she told employees, noting that the moves are meant to align the firm with its shifting business priorities.

The Australian‑based design platform has surged since its 2012 debut, evolving from a modest startup into a multi‑billion‑dollar enterprise operating in dozens of countries. Recent funding rounds have valued it at over $40 billion, ranking it among the globe’s most valuable private tech companies.

Analysts say the cuts mirror a wider trend in tech, where firms that grew aggressively during the pandemic are now tightening budgets amid slower consumer spending and tighter capital markets. Canva’s action seems intended to reduce expenses while safeguarding its flagship product and long‑term growth outlook.

Employee reactions have been varied; some staff voice disappointment and uncertainty about their future roles, while others see the measure as essential for the company’s sustainability. Observers also point out that the workforce redesign could indicate a strategic shift toward more centralized collaboration and a reassessment of the remote‑work policies adopted widely during the pandemic.

Going forward, Canva intends to keep investing in product development and broaden its design‑tool suite, albeit with a slimmer operational framework. The firm has committed to assisting displaced employees with transition support and will track how the reorganization affects its market standing as competition in the online design arena intensifies.