Probably the worst place I've ever worked at - Technical Lead Canva Employee Review

1.0
Feb 25, 2022
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

no end in sight to wfh if thats your thing. meal allowance that pays for lunch. allowance that pays for most things you need to setup your home working space. can work from anywhere in australia. Most people in trenches are samrt and humble.

Cons

many long timers checked out but still holding their cushy positions. non meritocratic working environment. not based on results but subjective measures of good human etc. pecking order from left to right is white woman, white man, asian woman, other woman, all minority men. If you are white, eat your heart out. This is the place for yhou. The more left on the pecking order you are, the better the sponsorship and opportunities you will have at your disposal. some groups have terrible group leads. the group I was in had a group lead that barely interacted with the team. they were absent for long periods of time but were still holding that position without any repercussions. equity plan is a joke. not enoiugh options considering the wealth of the founders.

Explore other reviews about Canva

5.0
Apr 27, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

- Fast pace - Interesting tech - Fun product to work on - Great culture & values

Cons

- Crunch periods can be full on

3.0
May 28, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Product is beloved by users. Brand affinity is second to none which makes being a marketer a lot of fun. Genuinely good and caring coworkers who want to build something great. Hiring bar is high. Vibe and Thrive benefit is clever and unique.

Cons

Behind the brand is a cult like culture with the “founders” surrounded by yes people (whether they are aware of it or not). Mediocrity seems to be tolerated among management’s “old guard” causing tension and churn with newer and sometimes more experienced leaders. Insecure leaders at some of the highest levels perpetuate much of the toxic behaviors described in the reviews below such as gaslighting and favoritism. People “disappear” with little to no explanation, but hey, it’s the “Canva way”.

4
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