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.
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."
"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!"
"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!"
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.
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.
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!"
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."
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."
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."
Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For 2022 Cisco continues to excel at prioritizing employees’ success not only at work but in their everyday lives, and that stood out during the early days of the pandemic. But even as workers have started to return to campuses across the country, the company remains committed to employees’ welfare through programs and partnerships like those with Vida Health, which offers free digital therapy, as well as coaching around nutrition, weight loss, mental health, and sleep goals. That commitment makes a difference to workers: 98% of survey respondents say they are “proud to tell others” they work at Cisco. “Cisco doesn’t just talk. They listen, learn, and innovate. There’s a reason they’re one of the best places to work, and I see it in action every day,” says Raleigh-based employee Mollie Pinckney.
Best Large Workplaces in Technology 2022 Employees say:
“The leadership visibly and consistently exemplifies ALL of our company values and culture in everything they do. Our leadership is transparent and authentic. We "feel" a connection to Cisco. It's not just a paycheck and a responsibility.... Cisco and my work here is my true passion. I feel appreciated, valued, and respected in everything I contribute, which makes me want to contribute more. There is NO other company I have worked for or with in my entire career that so strongly knocks the ball out of the park on EVERY operational and cultural front like Cisco does. LOVE WORKING HERE!!”
25 Best Large Workplaces in the Bay Area 2022 Employees say:
“Cisco is the best place to work for me—it has always been. Cisco cares, rewards, connects. Cisco is there when I need it; I am also there when I am needed.”
100 Best Large Workplaces for Women 2022 Employees say:
“I love the passion for great technology that we create and deliver and the passion for the people. I love seeing diversity across all levels and the opportunity to thrive as a woman. This is the first time in 20 yrs that I've had a woman leader and her leader is a woman. It's great to see role models that are like me.”
100 Best Large Workplaces for Millennials 2022 Employees say:
“Everyone is accepted, no matter what. We bring our true selves to work every day and are encouraged to have interests outside of work. I have never worked for a company that allows the flexibility and trust in their employees to get things done. I feel safe and supported in my role and on my team, and I am so grateful to work in an organization that puts their employees first.”
Figures are for fiscal year ended July 31, 2023. Market value as of July 15, 2024.
Sector:Computers and Communication
Industry:Network and Other Communications Equipment
Industry Rank:4
Previous Industry Rank:1
Overall Score:6.11
Impact Segment:Economic opportunity
Sector:Technology
Industry:Information Technology
Industry Vertical:Software
Founded:1984
HQ Location:San Jose
# Work Sites:124
Web Address:https://www.cisco.com/
U.S. Employees:40,189
Worldwide Employees:83,300
% of Women in the Company:31.41%
% of Women in Management (non-Executive):31.17%
% of Women in Executive/Manager Positions:27.6%
Woman CEO:No
% of Women on the Board of Directors:50%
Date info provided (companies may opt to keep some data confidential):Aug. 3, 2023
World's Best list history:3 on 2022 list
Industry:Information Technology
Employees (worldwide):116,418
Headquarters:San Jose, California, United States
Countries where the company was recognized on a GPTW national list:Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, France, Germany, Greater China (China, Hong Kong, Taiwan), India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Norway, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Türkiye, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Vietnam
Web address:https://www.cisco.com
Sector:Technology
Culture rank:26
Process rank:21
Product rank:18
Rank last year:1
Years on list:27
U.S. employees:86,099
U.S. job openings:1,800
Year founded:1984
100% health coverage:No
Subsidized childcare:Yes
Compressed work weeks:Yes
Option to work remotely:Yes
Minimum requirement in-office attendance (days per week):varies by team
Percentage of health care premiums covered:85
Mental health coverage:Yes
Free mental health sessions (per year):10
Free backup childcare time off (days):-
Maximum $ amount covered for fertility services:$50,000
Fully paid maternal leave (days):151
Fully paid paternal leave (days):65
Fully paid adoptive leave (days):65
Maternal leave in addition to regular time off (days):151
