Design software company Canva has announced a restructure affecting about 1,270 jobs, or 22% of its global workforce, in what co-founder and chief executive Melanie Perkins told staff was the “hardest moment in our 13-year history”.

What is changing

According to the ABC, which reported the announcement on Wednesday 4 November, the restructure includes job cuts, changes to roles and relocations. Sydney will become the primary home for Canva’s product teams, and some employees may be asked to move. Canva also has operations in Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth, and operates in 37 countries.

“From January, we expect most Hybrid Canvanauts to spend around two to three days in the office each week, depending on what makes sense in your area,” Ms Perkins said.

Why now

Ms Perkins said Canva’s growth had slowed “for the first time in a decade”, and the company said “new technology” was changing how people create and use products. It did not explicitly mention AI. Canva said it had explored a range of alternatives and come to the “difficult conclusion that small changes won’t be enough”.

“We need to re-found Canva, getting back to our roots of small, empowered teams with the freedom to make decisions, take ownership and focus on what matters most for our community,” Ms Perkins said.

The package

  • At least six months’ salary for outgoing employees.
  • Health and wellbeing support.
  • Removal of the one-year equity vesting cliff for some recently hired staff.
  • US$10,000 grants through a new fund for departing employees who want to start a business or pursue a community project.

Part of a wider pattern

Canva grew out of a Perth-based start-up founded by Ms Perkins and Cliff Obrecht, later joined by co-founder Cameron Adams, and became one of Australia’s biggest technology success stories. Its restructure follows other large cuts in the local tech sector, including the 1,600 jobs Atlassian cut earlier this year, when it said AI would allow it to reduce headcount and redirect resources.

For the wider economy, the shift matters because Australia’s large tech employers have been a major source of high-paying jobs. A move towards smaller teams and greater automation suggests that hiring in the sector may stay subdued even as companies keep investing.

Source: ABC News, “Design giant Canva announces restructure affecting 22pc of global workforce” (4 November 2026).