Canva’s Layoff Package Revealed: MacBooks, LinkedIn Premium and Support for Ex-Employees

Canva has announced layoffs affecting 1,271 employees worldwide, offering an extensive severance package to support departing workers. The company plans to provide several benefits, including free MacBooks, LinkedIn Premium subscriptions and career assistance. Canva CEO Melanie Perkins described the decision as one of the organisation’s most difficult moments. She announced the workforce reduction through an internal communication on Tuesday. The company will eliminate approximately 22 per cent of its workforce following what Perkins called its hardest year. Canva currently employs more than 5,700 people across 37 countries, including India. However, the company has not disclosed which departments or geographical regions will experience the biggest impact. Perkins acknowledged the emotional and professional difficulties employees would face following the announcement. She also apologised for the disruption and uncertainty surrounding their employment. Despite the difficult decision, Canva intends to help affected employees transition into new professional opportunities through financial assistance and additional support.

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What Is Canva Offering to Laid-Off Employees?

Canva has introduced several benefits beyond conventional severance arrangements to support employees leaving the company. According to Perkins’ internal memo, all 1,271 affected employees can retain their company-issued MacBooks. The company wants departing workers to possess a personal laptop while searching for employment. Perkins acknowledged that some employees might not own personal computers outside their workplace. Canva will also provide affected employees with a one-year LinkedIn Premium subscription. This benefit could help workers expand professional networks and explore employment opportunities. Additionally, the company will arrange individual career coaching sessions and interview preparation assistance. Canva’s Talent Acquisition team will help employees improve resumes and practise interviews. These specialists will also support workers searching for suitable positions elsewhere. The company hopes these measures will reduce employment uncertainty and improve job-search outcomes. Together, the benefits create a comprehensive transition package beyond standard financial compensation. Canva believes employees deserve practical assistance while navigating their next professional chapter.

Canva will provide every affected employee with at least six months’ salary, including statutory entitlements. Melanie Perkins confirmed that the company would apply this compensation arrangement regardless of employees’ locations. Canva will also remove the one-year vesting cliff for workers who joined during the previous year. This adjustment allows eligible employees to retain equity despite leaving before completing twelve months. The company will additionally continue healthcare coverage for twelve months wherever it currently provides this benefit. Departing employees and their families will also retain access to Canva Care. This employee assistance programme will remain available for another year following their departure. These provisions aim to support workers financially and personally during employment transitions. Canva has also established a Canva Collective Fund for employees pursuing entrepreneurial or community initiatives. The fund will offer $10,000 grants to eligible employees interested in launching businesses or community projects. Canva will not demand ownership or equity in ventures supported through these grants.

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Career Assistance, Alumni Network and Support for Future Opportunities

Canva plans to establish an opt-in alumni talent directory for employees affected by the layoffs. The company intends to share this directory with investors, partners and its broader industry network. This initiative could help departing employees connect with organisations searching for experienced professionals. Canva will also dedicate recruitment specialists to resume reviews and interview preparation. Employees interested in entrepreneurial grants must register their interest by December 14. The company has also allowed affected workers to retain Slack and Gmail access temporarily. Employees can use these platforms until the end of the week to communicate departures. This arrangement gives workers time to inform colleagues and coordinate professional transitions. Melanie Perkins expressed regret over how employees’ careers at Canva would end. She emphasised that the layoffs would not diminish their talent, contributions or professional achievements. Perkins also promised that the company would continue supporting employees through their next opportunities. Canva hopes these initiatives will demonstrate appreciation for departing workers and their contributions.

Canva’s extensive employee benefits stand out against several recent technology industry layoff packages. Microsoft announced approximately 4,800 job cuts in July and offered affected American employees financial compensation. The company provided at least sixty days of base pay, alongside additional tenure-based payments. Eligible employees could receive additional compensation based on service, subject to a 39-week cap. Oracle reportedly offered affected Indian employees one month of base pay for every service year. Its package also included two months of additional salary and healthcare coverage. Canva’s arrangement combines substantial salary compensation with technology equipment and career-development assistance. The company has also introduced financial grants supporting employees interested in independent projects. These additional benefits distinguish Canva’s approach from several conventional severance arrangements. However, actual compensation and eligibility conditions may vary depending on individual employment circumstances. Canva’s announcement highlights how companies can support employees beyond financial compensation during workforce reductions.

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