Australian graphic design platform Canva has announced a major workforce restructuring that will affect 1,271 employees, representing approximately 22% of its global workforce, following a slowdown in growth for the first time in a decade.
The Sydney-based company confirmed the changes on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, as it seeks to simplify its operations, reorganise teams and adjust its business structure to changing industry demands.
Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Melanie Perkins said the restructuring would involve changes to the company’s organisational structure, employee locations and staffing requirements.
Under the new arrangement, Canva will merge its Product, Growth and Platform teams into a single product organisation. The move is intended to reduce operational delays, minimise internal handovers and give teams greater responsibility for delivering products and improvements.
The company also plans to reduce management layers and consolidate certain roles to strengthen accountability and speed up decision-making.
As part of the restructuring, Sydney will become the primary location for more of Canva’s product teams. Some employees will be asked to relocate, while most staff working under hybrid arrangements will be expected to spend two to three days in the office each week from January 2027.
Canva has also announced financial support for departing employees, including US$10,000 grants to help them pursue future business ventures and other personal or professional projects.
Technology Industry Faces Further Workforce Changes
Canva’s decision reflects a broader restructuring trend across the global technology sector, where companies are adjusting workforce requirements amid rapid advances in artificial intelligence and changing business priorities.
Other Australian technology companies have also announced significant workforce reductions this year.
Enterprise software company Atlassian cut approximately 1,600 jobs in March as it redirected investment towards artificial intelligence and enterprise sales.
Similarly, WiseTech Global announced plans in February to reduce its global workforce as part of a two-year restructuring programme linked to its adoption of AI technologies. The company subsequently revised its proposed reductions to approximately 26% of its workforce in August.
Canva’s latest announcement highlights the growing pressure on technology businesses to reassess their operating models, improve efficiency and adapt to a rapidly evolving digital economy.
Although the company continues to operate as a major player in the global design software market, the restructuring represents a significant change in its workforce strategy as it responds to slower growth and shifting industry demands.
Leave a comment