In 2025, 10 of its 12 technical writers lost their jobs; earlier this year, it cut 32 jobs in its finance division . The restructure comes amid a torrid year for the local tech sector.
Well, folks, it seems like Canva, the darling of the design world, is facing some tough realities. In a move that’s sending shockwaves through the creative community, the company has announced a major restructuring that will impact 1,271 roles, or about 22% of its workforce. That’s right—close to a quarter of their employees are facing the prospect of saying goodbye to their jobs. Talk about a holiday spirit killer!
So, what’s behind this seismic shift? According to CEO Melanie Perkins, it’s been the ‘hardest moment’ in the company’s history. And who can blame her? Slowing growth and the ever-looming presence of artificial intelligence are two heavyweights that have been throwing punches at Canva’s business model. I mean, when your design platform is competing with algorithms that can whip up graphics faster than you can say ‘Canva Pro,’ it’s bound to make things a little… tense.
The memo from Perkins didn’t just drop the bombshell of layoffs; it also hinted at a potential relocation for some employees to centralized hubs. So, if you thought you could work from your cozy home office, sipping coffee in your pajamas, think again! It’s time to pack your bags and head to the corporate headquarters. Because nothing says ‘we value you’ like a good ol’ commute, am I right?
Now, I know what you’re thinking: ‘But Canva is supposed to be this innovative, thriving company!’ And you’re not wrong. They’ve made it incredibly easy for the average Joe to create stunning graphics without needing a degree in design. But even the best of us can’t escape the harsh realities of the market. The rise of AI tools has really changed the game, and it seems like Canva is trying to adapt before it gets left in the dust.
As we approach the holiday season, this news couldn’t come at a worse time. Imagine getting ready for festive gatherings only to find out your job is on the chopping block. It’s like finding out your favorite family recipe has been replaced with a can of store-bought frosting. Disheartening, to say the least.
In the grand scheme of things, this restructuring isn’t just about numbers and percentages. It’s about real people—designers, marketers, and creatives—who have poured their hearts into their work. Losing a job is never easy, and while some may find new opportunities, others will be left to navigate a tough job market. It’s a reminder that even in the world of design, where creativity should flourish, business decisions can sometimes feel like a cruel joke.
So, what’s next for Canva? Will they bounce back stronger than ever, or will this be the beginning of a downward spiral? Only time will tell. But one thing is for sure: the design world will be watching closely as Canva tries to regroup and find its footing in an industry that’s moving faster than a TikTok trend.
In the meantime, let’s raise a virtual glass to those affected by these changes. Here’s hoping they find new paths that are just as colorful and fulfilling as the designs they created at Canva. Cheers to resilience in the face of adversity!
Inspired by: “Canva restructure impacting 1,200 roles after ‘hardest year yet’” (r/News)