Layoffs have become an increasingly familiar part of the corporate world. News of companies cutting jobs no longer comes as a surprise to employees, particularly in the technology sector. What is drawing attention now, however, is how companies handle these departures and what they offer employees who suddenly find themselves without a job.
Canva is the latest company to find itself at the centre of this conversation. The Australian design software company has announced plans to cut 22 percent of its workforce, but its approach to supporting departing employees has triggered an unexpected wave of appreciation on social media.
Much of the discussion has focused on CEO and co-founder Melanie Perkins, with several social media users drawing attention to her leadership and the company’s decision to offer an extensive severance package. At a time when corporate leadership discussions often revolve around male executives, Perkins has become a prominent part of the online conversation, with some users crediting her approach for the company’s response to the layoffs.
The reaction has been particularly noticeable on LinkedIn, where professionals and content creators have highlighted the benefits offered to affected employees. Among them was India-based content creator Vinod Sandhu, who shared details of Canva’s reported exit package and explained why the company’s approach stood out.
“Layoffs are never easy. But how a company handles them says a lot about its culture,” Sandhu wrote, adding that while companies may not always be able to save jobs, they can ensure employees “don’t lose their dignity while leaving.”
According to Sandhu, the package includes six months’ salary, 12 months of healthcare coverage, financial assistance of up to $10,000, career transition support and the option to keep company-issued MacBooks.
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The decision to let employees retain their laptops has arguably attracted the most attention. For many people losing their jobs, access to a personal computer can be essential when applying for new positions, updating resumes and attending virtual interviews.
“Because not everyone has a personal laptop. Imagine losing your job and then having to figure out how to attend your next interview or even update your resume,” Sandhu wrote.
His post struck a chord with several LinkedIn users, who said the decision reflected an understanding of the practical challenges employees face after losing their jobs.
“Canva just showed us that even layoffs can be handled with empathy, thoughtfulness and humanity,” wrote Dipanshu Bhargava, a content marketing manager.
Senior product designer Sami Saeed also highlighted the laptop provision, writing, “The MacBook detail says a lot. Someone planned for the person’s next Monday, not just the HR checklist. That’s user-centred thinking applied to your own team.”
Another LinkedIn user pointed out that access to a personal computer is not something every employee can take for granted, particularly when they are made redundant.
The conversation soon moved beyond LinkedIn and gained traction on Instagram, where users reacted with admiration, humour and comments about Canva’s leadership.
“Makes me wanna join Canva just to get laid off….” one user joked, while another commented, “How do I apply to be fired by Canva?”
Several users also connected the company’s approach to Perkins’ leadership, with comments such as “When CEO is a woman,” “Women-led businesses be like…” and “The CEO is of course a woman” attracting attention.
Others expressed stronger appreciation for the company’s approach. “This is the most humane layoff I’ve ever read about in my life,” one user wrote. Another commented, “Let the women run the world and see how everything heals.”
However, the positive reaction has not been universal. Some critics have questioned whether a generous severance package should distract from the larger impact of eliminating nearly a quarter of the company’s workforce. While the support offered to departing employees has attracted praise, the job losses remain a significant development for the company and its workforce.
What Canva is offering employees affected by the layoffs
Canva’s severance arrangements go beyond the standard financial compensation offered during workforce reductions. The company has outlined several measures intended to help employees manage their transition and prepare for their next professional steps.
1. Six months’ salary
Affected employees will receive at least six months’ salary, inclusive of statutory entitlements, regardless of their location.
2. Employees can keep their MacBooks
Departing employees will be allowed to retain their company-issued MacBooks. The decision is intended to ensure that those without personal computers can continue applying for jobs and attending interviews.
3. One year of LinkedIn Premium
Canva will provide affected employees with a 12-month LinkedIn Premium subscription to support their job searches, professional networking and career development.
4. Career coaching and interview preparation
Employees will have access to individual career coaching and interview preparation. Canva’s Talent Acquisition team will also assist with resumes and interview practice.
5. Continued healthcare coverage
The company will provide 12 months of continued healthcare coverage in countries where this benefit is available.
6. Continued employee assistance
Canva Care, the company’s employee assistance programme, will remain accessible to departing employees and their families for 12 months.
Canva offers $10,000 grants for employees starting their own ventures
Beyond severance and career transition support, Canva is also offering financial assistance to employees interested in pursuing entrepreneurial projects.
READ: Netflix layoffs reveal Hollywood-tech culture clash (October 26, 2026)
Through its Canva Collective Fund, departing employees can apply for grants of $10,000 to start their own businesses or undertake projects benefiting their local communities.
The company has clarified that it will not seek ownership or equity in businesses or projects supported through these grants. Employees interested in applying have until December 14 to register.
Canva is also setting up an opt-in alumni talent directory that will be shared with investors, business partners and its wider industry network. The initiative is intended to connect former employees with potential employers and other professional opportunities.
Employees will also retain access to Slack and Gmail until the end of the week, giving them time to inform colleagues about their departures and communicate their next steps.
Why is Canva cutting its workforce?
Despite the extensive support package, the layoffs mark a major restructuring for the company.
Canva co-founder and CEO Melanie Perkins announced the job cuts in an internal memo, describing the decision as the “most difficult moment” in the company’s 13-year history.
The company has more than 5,700 employees across 37 countries, including India. However, Canva has not disclosed which teams or geographical locations will be most affected by the workforce reduction.
The restructuring is part of a broader effort to simplify the company’s operations and change how its teams work. Canva plans to bring its product, growth and platform teams together under a single product organisation. It also intends to reduce management layers and combine overlapping responsibilities.
The company wants to return to smaller teams with greater ownership and faster decision-making.
Sydney is also expected to become the primary base for more of Canva’s product teams. Some employees may be asked to relocate, while others could face changes in their responsibilities.
The company is also revisiting its workplace arrangements. Beginning in January, most employees working under hybrid arrangements will be expected to come to the office two to three days a week. This marks a shift for Canva, which had previously embraced more flexible and remote working arrangements.
While the layoffs have raised questions about the company’s future workforce structure, the response to its severance package has opened up a broader discussion about corporate responsibility.