Canva laid her off during maternity leave, but she is not walking away empty-handed: Pune woman reveals benefits included in severance package

Losing a job can be particularly difficult when it happens during an important personal milestone. A Pune woman who was laid off by design platform Canva while on maternity leave has shared details of the company's severance package, explaining how the benefits could help affected employees find their feet and prepare for their next career move.

Shraddha Khule, who joined Canva in 2023, has spoken about the support being extended to employees affected by the company's latest round of job cuts. In a video, she confirmed that the company was providing the benefits outlined in its severance package, including laptops, career guidance and professional networking support.

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Her account has attracted attention online, with social media users discussing the company's approach to supporting employees even as it carries out a major restructuring.

Canva layoffs: 1,271 employees affected in major restructuring

Canva recently announced plans to cut 1,271 jobs, representing around 22% of its workforce, as part of a major organisational restructuring.

The decision has affected employees across the company, including Khule, who was on maternity leave when she received the news that her role had been impacted.

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While the job loss came as a shock, she said the company was following through on the support promised to departing employees.

MacBooks, LinkedIn Premium: What Canva is offering laid-off employees

In a video titled 'This is what Canva is offering us as our severance package', Khule explained how the benefits would help employees manage the transition.

One of the key provisions is that employees can keep their company-issued MacBooks. She pointed out that this would be particularly helpful for people who do not own personal laptops and may otherwise struggle to continue applying for jobs or attending interviews.

The severance package also includes a one-year LinkedIn Premium subscription, giving departing employees additional support as they look for new opportunities.

Other benefits include dedicated career assistance, one-on-one coaching and interview preparation. Employees will also have access to an alumni talent directory, which could help them connect with professional contacts and explore potential job openings.

Confirming that the promised benefits were being provided, Khule said, "Is Canva giving us all those things that it said it would? It is."

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Shraddha | Dubai Mum + Travel (@shraddhakhule)

Pune woman recalls shock of losing her dream job at Canva

In an earlier video, Khule opened up about her emotional response to the layoff, describing Canva as a workplace she had aspired to join for years.

"So, I lost my job at Canva today. I joined Canva in 2023. For as long as I can remember, Canva was one company where I really, really wanted to work. To get a job there was like a dream come true. However, when I received the email saying my role had been impacted, I really couldn't think," she said.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Shraddha | Dubai Mum + Travel (@shraddhakhule)

Despite the disappointment, she spoke positively about her experience at the company and how it treated employees during her maternity leave.

Khule also recalled requesting an extension to her maternity leave after reaching out to her manager and coach on Slack. According to her, the company approved an extension of a few months.

She also mentioned the support she received during a period when she relocated to Dubai.

'I am very proud that I worked at Canva': Employee praises company's approach

Khule said that although she was upset about losing her position, she appreciated how the company handled the restructuring.

"If you ever get a chance to work at Canva, please do so because you will never get a company like this. That was like the best time I had in my professional career," she said.

She added that she remained proud of having been part of the organisation despite the circumstances surrounding her exit.

"Of course, I am sad but I am very proud that, yes, I worked at Canva. The way they handled the restructuring is really commendable," she said.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Shraddha | Dubai Mum + Travel (@shraddhakhule)

Canva CEO Melanie Perkins calls layoffs hardest moment in company's history

Canva CEO and co-founder Melanie Perkins described the restructuring as the most difficult moment in the company's 13-year history, acknowledging the impact of the decision on affected employees.

The job cuts come as the company has revised its projected revenue growth for 2026 from 30% to 20%.


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