Australian design software company Canva is restructuring as it adjusts to its first growth slowdown in a decade and the rapid rise of artificial intelligence in design. The changes will affect 1,271 employees. That represents 22% of its global workforce.
The overhaul combines layoffs, role changes and relocations to central hubs. Canva plans to consolidate teams, reduce management layers and increase in-person collaboration.
In a memo to staff, CEO Melanie Perkins called the decision the “hardest moment” in the company’s 13-year history and said the changes are necessary to prepare Canva for its next chapter. Affected employees will receive at least six months’ salary in severance and extended healthcare coverage.