Relocations Replace Layoffs

Companies are increasingly using forced relocation and hub‑centralization as a way to reduce headcount frictionlessly: instead of only firing people, firms ask employees to move to centralized hubs and treat failure-to-relocate as a de facto separation. Canva’s plan to ‘collapse layers’ and ask some staff to relocate — while cutting or relocating 1,271 roles (22% of its workforce) — exemplifies this mix of relocation, consolidation, and severance. — If relocation becomes a widespread tactic it reshapes labor markets, migration flows, urban housing demand, and the political economy of remote work protections.