Unnecessarily chaotic - Engineering Manager Canva Employee Review

3.0
Jul 11, 2024
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Decent compensation, promising trajectory, solid values and working culture. Most people I work with are talented, amazing individuals. Work life balance highly fluctuates on team, time of year, and pure luck - but generally OK. Benefits consistent with big tech.

Cons

While I appreciate that Canva is fast moving, there are clearly some bad eggs in senior to exec level that can't plan their way out a one way street. Terrible communicators, unnecessarily secretive discussions, (lack of) process, or sometimes swinging the other way - full of bureaurcracy. Result? It rains down on everyone below - unclear needs, tight deadlines, constant pivots. Too many yes men along the way to push back reasonably. Something went wrong when hiring half of leadership. The other half are amazing individuals. You toss a coin sometimes on whether you'll be working with one or the other.

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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