Canva layoffs: Free MacBooks and more; how tech firms are offering generous severance packages
Canva's workforce restructuring will affect around 1,271 employees. Here's a look at its exit package, including healthcare, career support, and grants of up to USD 10,000.
After Google and Microsoft, Canva announced a workforce restructuring following a slowdown in its projected revenue growth from 30 per cent to 20 per cent. Around 1,271 employees are reportedly expected to be affected by the move.
Unlike conventional layoffs, these tech companies are offering severance packages to employees leaving the organisation, providing financial and other forms of support during the transition. While layoffs are generally frowned upon, these packages have been received relatively well, at least by some employees.
One of them is Shraddha Khule, a former Canva employee, who took to social media to share the news of her exit and express appreciation for the way the tech giant is handling the restructuring.
Also read: Google offers voluntary exit to employees in five countries amid AI spending push
Khule, who had been working as a QA Engineer at Canva since July 2023, recalled in a LinkedIn post that she was on maternity leave when she learnt that her role had been affected.
Canva offers MacBook
“I was on maternity leave, peacefully enjoying a morning cuddled up next to my 1 yr old and 5 yr old, when my husband broke the news. Definitely not the kind of morning I had imagined (sic),” she wrote.
Despite the unexpected news, Khule expressed gratitude for her time at the company and appreciated the understanding and support she received during her maternity leave.
“I want to take a moment to genuinely appreciate Canva for the support I’ve received throughout my journey, especially during maternity leave. Every time I needed support, Canva showed up. And even through this difficult restructure, the care and support being extended to all impacted employees speaks volumes about the organisation and its values. I’m truly grateful for that,” she added.
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In an Instagram post, Khule also shared details of the severance package being offered to affected employees. Those who do not own a personal laptop, for instance, can retain the MacBook provided by the company. The move is intended to ensure that employees have a working device as they begin looking for their next opportunity.
Canva is also offering a one-year LinkedIn Premium subscription, along with dedicated career support that includes one-on-one coaching, interview preparation and access to an alumni talent directory to help employees explore new opportunities.
Other benefits reportedly include 12 months of healthcare coverage and a grant of up to USD 10,000 for those looking to start their own ventures.
Google, Microsoft and Meta's severance packages
Canva is not the only company offering such benefits to employees affected by workforce reductions. Meta recently announced details of its Voluntary Exit Offer (VEO), under which employees opting to leave the company will receive benefits including 2.5 months of salary for every year of service and 10 months of mobility leave, paid at 80 per cent of their gross salary.
Google, meanwhile, offers exit packages equivalent to one month's salary for every year of service, subject to a 12-month cap. Microsoft follows a more complex, region-based payout structure.
These moves reflect a broader industry realignment, as companies look to protect margins in legacy business units while directing more resources towards AI. However, their approaches differ at the team level. Google, for instance, kept its DeepMind AI unit out of the buyouts, while Microsoft included its high-profile Copilot teams among those eligible.