Cisco is a global provider of networking infrastructure, designing and building everything from routers and wireless access points to the software that’s used to secure them. Founded in 1984 by a team of Stanford computer scientists, Cisco went public in 1990 and was added to the Dow Jones Industrial Average in 2009. Cisco made a flurry of acquisitions in the 2010s and into the 2020s, most recently closing in March 2024 on a $28 billion deal for Splunk, a cybersecurity and analytics firm, as part of a larger bet on companies adopting AI.
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Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For 2025
Cisco’s U.S. staff receive learning opportunities through its Networking Academy and AI programming. It has also developed an AI chatbot to assist workers. Cisco ERGs focus on such topics as sustainability, startups, and philanthropy.
Employees say: "Cisco supports its people. Cisco leadership always put our families and physical and mental health first. Cisco encourages its people to bring our true selves to work, because we are more productive and happy people when we can share who we really are."
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Best Large Workplaces for Parents 2024
Employees say:
"I love that we are given complete flexibility with remote work. As a parent, this is a HUGE benefit for me. I am able to provide at home nanny care for my child and don't have a commute adding unnecessary time to a day that is already too short."
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World’s 25 Best Workplaces 2024
Cisco ranks No. 4 on the 2024 World’s 25 Best Workplaces list.
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100 Best Large Workplaces for Women 2024
Employees say:
"I believe my company is a fantastic place to work. I especially appreciate the remote working options, management's understanding that the quality of work is more important than the location. Additionally recognition for good work, and the emphasis on maintaining a healthy work-life balance makes Cisco a great place to work."
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Fortune 100 Best Companies To Work For Europe 2024
Renowned worldwide for its software, networking, security and computing services, Cisco puts the same level of thought into its employee proposition as it does into its cutting-edge technology. A clearly defined 'Conscious Culture' model embraces three areas; 'environment' (a commitment to workplace respect and equity, including a Full Spectrum Diversity policy); 'characteristics' (a set of guiding principals and behaviors role-modelled by leadership) and 'experience' (the day-to-day experiences employees undergo working for the company). Sustainability is a strong focus across Europe, with paper cup and glass-free sites established, and personalized mugs and water bottles on hand to help employees do their part. CSR is also prioritized, with the company having positively impacted 1 billion people through social impact grants and signature programs.
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Best Large Workplaces in Technology 2024
Employees say:
"Cisco encompasses an environment of inclusion that speaks directly to their employees. It provides the needed tools to expand beyond the daily responsibilities and encourages growth within the company. I've seen this company reward great people in my short time here by moving them up to different roles and that reassures me how Cisco honors everyone's contribution. I feel my work is appreciated and that I am not just filling a position. I consistently feel a part of the bigger picture and celebrate in the overall success of Cisco. It allows a work/home life balance better than any company I had previously worked for in almost 30 years of employment."
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100 Best Large Workplaces for Millennials 2024
Employees say:
"I always feel well taken care of at this company. Cisco has not only invested in my professional growth, but also has allowed me to provide a wonderful life for my family. Cisco's people first focus allows me to be a present mother as well as grow my career. I am VERY thankful for Cisco!"
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25 Best Large Workplaces in the Bay Area 2024
Employees say:
"I always feel well taken care of at this company. Cisco has not only invested in my professional growth, but also has allowed me to provide a wonderful life for my family. Cisco's people first focus allows me to be a present mother as well as grow my career. I am VERY thankful for Cisco!"
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Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For 2024
Cisco is slimming down: Although its headcount has barely budged over the past several years, the digital communications giant announced it would be letting go over 4,000 staff in February of 2024. But it hasn’t let that get in the way of its lofty ESG goals, which employees cite as one of the things they like best about Cisco. The San Jose–based company launched the Cisco Aspire Fund in 2020, through which it’s investing $50 million in startups led by diverse leaders and helping them grow by bringing them into the Cisco ecosystem. The company has committed to hybrid work as part of its long-term workplace model, drafting a set of ground rules on issues such as shared office space and sustainability, and engaging employees in conversations around workplace policies. To attract and retain workers outside traditional urban centers, Cisco is looking at shifting some facilities to smaller, more dispersed locations that are nevertheless easy to access through multiple means of transport, thus enabling customers and partners to visit and teams to collaborate in a hybrid way.
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Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For 2023
Cisco, like many technology companies, is at an inflection point after letting go of roughly 4,800 workers at the beginning of 2023. Layoffs can hurt even strong company cultures, but the digital communications and technology conglomerate does have a solid foundation that can help it weather the recent upheaval and maintain its No. 1 spot for the third consecutive year. Cisco’s inclusive workplace is built on a strong sense of purpose that comes through in projects like the Purpose Report and ESG Reporting Hub, where the company has been publicly detailing progress on its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives since 2005. Amanda Cumberland, director of ESG strategy and reporting, insights, and impact at Cisco, recently wrote about how proud she is of the difference Cisco makes for people and the world. “We don’t have it all figured out yet, but we want to keep learning and doing more,” she says.
Cisco, like many technology companies, is at an inflection point after letting go of roughly 4,800 workers at the beginning of 2023. Layoffs can hurt even strong company cultures, but the digital communications and technology conglomerate does have a solid foundation that can help it weather the recent upheaval and maintain its No. 1 spot for the third consecutive year. Cisco’s inclusive workplace is built on a strong sense of purpose that comes through in projects like the Purpose Report and ESG Reporting Hub, where the company has been publicly detailing progress on its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives since 2005. Amanda Cumberland, director of ESG strategy and reporting, insights, and impact at Cisco, recently wrote about how proud she is of the difference Cisco makes for people and the world. “We don’t have it all figured out yet, but we want to keep learning and doing more,” she says.
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Best Large Workplaces in Technology 2023
Employees say:
"Cisco's flexibility through the pandemic, competitive rewards and benefits, and purpose make it a great place to work. We are always trying to be better and ensure our future success by doing good for the world. I have seen my career grow with Cisco over the 16 years I have been here and am excited about what we will do next. Our focus on our people is clear, and makes it a great place to work!"
Employees say:
"Cisco's flexibility through the pandemic, competitive rewards and benefits, and purpose make it a great place to work. We are always trying to be better and ensure our future success by doing good for the world. I have seen my career grow with Cisco over the 16 years I have been here and am excited about what we will do next. Our focus on our people is clear, and makes it a great place to work!"
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25 Best Large Workplaces in the Bay Area 2023
Employees say:
"Cisco really cares about its people. One example is 'a day for me,' which are days off throughout the year when Cisco shuts down to let employees recharge. We also have a company-wide shutdown at the end of the year, which allows the whole company time off to spend with family over the holidays. Cisco also cares about the environment, and social justice, and has a strong commitment to diversity and equality. Our ELT is very approachable and has addressed challenges head-on. They have shown strong leadership in addressing employee concerns around the many challenges we face in the world today. The culture here is really what makes Cisco a great place to work. It really is a family, and people want the best for each other and the company."
Employees say:
"Cisco really cares about its people. One example is 'a day for me,' which are days off throughout the year when Cisco shuts down to let employees recharge. We also have a company-wide shutdown at the end of the year, which allows the whole company time off to spend with family over the holidays. Cisco also cares about the environment, and social justice, and has a strong commitment to diversity and equality. Our ELT is very approachable and has addressed challenges head-on. They have shown strong leadership in addressing employee concerns around the many challenges we face in the world today. The culture here is really what makes Cisco a great place to work. It really is a family, and people want the best for each other and the company."
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100 Best Large Workplaces for Women 2023
Employees say:
"I joined Cisco a year ago because I had two young children and a job in tech that gave me zero mental capacity to show up as a present mom. I came for the promise of a culture where I could be both—a mom and a professional. Cisco is the first company where I have truly felt empowered and supported in both. It is the first company I have worked at where the decision-making lines up with the talk track for work-life balance."
Employees say:
"I joined Cisco a year ago because I had two young children and a job in tech that gave me zero mental capacity to show up as a present mom. I came for the promise of a culture where I could be both—a mom and a professional. Cisco is the first company where I have truly felt empowered and supported in both. It is the first company I have worked at where the decision-making lines up with the talk track for work-life balance."
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100 Best Large Workplaces for Millennials 2023
Employees say:
"What seems to stand out about Cisco is that I, as an employee, matter. Not only in my small segment with my direct team, but also at every level at the company. We are constantly informed that our voices matter, and it's clear that the leadership team is listening. The company has been at the forefront of speaking out on societal issues—from the pandemic, to the economy, politics, and more. There's the idea of being on the 'right side of history,' and I feel like Cisco is one company that fits that description."
Employees say:
"What seems to stand out about Cisco is that I, as an employee, matter. Not only in my small segment with my direct team, but also at every level at the company. We are constantly informed that our voices matter, and it's clear that the leadership team is listening. The company has been at the forefront of speaking out on societal issues—from the pandemic, to the economy, politics, and more. There's the idea of being on the 'right side of history,' and I feel like Cisco is one company that fits that description."
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