This article is part of in the January issue (No. 169) of Human Resources, within the Employer Branding Conference 2025, promoted by Talent Portugal.
In a competitive and diverse market, Cisco has been in the Top 3 best companies to work for in Portugal. This recognition reflects the company's commitment to creating a inclusive work environmentWhere diversity e social impact are strategic pillars. The commitment to inclusive communities is central to this approach, strengthening the feeling of belonging and attracting talent aligned with the organization's values.
Members of inclusive communities are actively involved in initiatives such as job fairs and Cisco Open Days, in addition to contributing to the candidate selection process, participating in interviews and information sessions about the Cisco.
André David – Emerging Talent Manager
A Cisco also stands out for its corporate social responsibility initiatives, evidenced annually in the Cisco Purpose Report.
The report, published by the Purpose Reporting Hub, is dedicated to highlighting corporate social responsibility and advances in related areas, such as social and digital impact, environmental sustainability, as well as policies, goals and programs related to diversity and inclusion, offering transparency and accessibility to this information.
Natalia Martsenyuk da Cunha – People & Communities Country Lead
The growing number of downloads of Purpose Reports thus demonstrates the interest of candidates in companies with solid values. In addition, Cisco uses social networks and websites to share initiatives, achievements and inspiring real stories of its employees, reinforcing its reputation as an employer of excellence.
Strategies for integrating talent
A Cisco has developed several strategies to integrate new talent into its inclusive communities, ensuring that they feel part of the company culture from the very beginning. Global and Local Onboarding Program is one of the initiatives and is tailored to reflect the diversity of its workforce. «Global Onboarding at Cisco involves introducing new talent to the values, practices and ways of working, ensuring that all employees share a consistent understanding of the corporate culture”, says Natalia Martsenyuk da Cunha. Local Onboarding adapts these practices to the Portuguese reality, connecting employees to inclusive communities and ensuring an effective professional and cultural transition.
As inclusive communities have an active role in welcoming new talent, promoting inclusion and support, as well as opportunities for personal and professional development in certain areas beyond their role, but in line with individual purpose and interest. “This facilitates cultural and professional integration, offering guidance and support during the transition to the new work environment”, highlights the same person in charge.
A internal communication reinforces this integration by keeping employees informed about initiatives and events. One example is the Connected Portugal Fair, which showcases inclusive communities, their missions and projects, encouraging even more active participation. The People & Communities Country Lead highlights: “During the fair, communities present their mission, activities and projects, allowing participants to better understand the role of each group.”
Inclusive communities of Cisco
With 22 local communities, Cisco promotes diversity and inclusion, positively impacting its employees and the organizational environment. These communities allow employees participate in groups with common interests, diversify their activities e develop new skills. “Leadership, communication, event management, project management, soft skills and more technical knowledge are the main skills that are developed within a community”, explains André David.
In this sense, there are several activities carried out by inclusive communities in Cisco and that contribute to strengthening the company's organizational culture. Among them, the following stand out: Nations Day, which celebrates the 60 nationalities present in Cisco, with typical dishes prepared by the employees themselves; Cisco Language Program, where employees teach new languages to their colleagues; and Coffee Break Sessions by Women of Cisco, which promote support networks and collective brainstorming to face different professional challenges.
Other initiatives include the Skills Exchange Program, which allows employees to share skills such as digital marketing or hobbies such as crochet, and Birthday Breakfast, a quarterly event to celebrate employee birthdays.
These initiatives strengthen the company's inclusive culture, as Natalia Martsenyuk da Cunha reinforces: «Inclusive communities are an integral part of our culture and the company's engagement strategy. Cisco. They strengthen the sense of belonging, which leads to greater job satisfaction.”
Time2Give: Volunteering with a purpose
"Oh Time2Give is an integral part of the culture of Cisco Portugal, being a pillar that is reflected even in our team building initiatives. In each of them, there is always a morning or afternoon dedicated to purposeful teamwork: whether it is cleaning a kennel, organizing food baskets or painting houses, we join forces to make a difference in the community”, comments the People & Communities Country Lead.
Through the Time2Give program, Cisco offers 10 paid days per year for employees to volunteer, supporting social causes that are important to them. This benefit, which was previously five days, reflects the company's commitment Cisco with social responsibility and employee involvement in initiatives with an impact on the community, which has yielded positive results for both employees and the company. Internal studies have shown that teams and leaders involved in community activities perform better, have a higher promotion rate, lower turnover and greater recognition.
Employees can choose to support personal causes or select from activities organized by Cisco with partners such as the Food Bank, Ronald McDonald Foundation, Nariz Vermelho, among others. In addition, Cisco was recognized by the Oeiras Solidária program as one of the main companies with social impact in 2024. Promoted by the Oeiras City Council, the program highlights initiatives that promote social inclusion, education, family support, poverty eradication and environmental protection.
A purpose that makes a difference
The commitment of Cisco Diversity, inclusion and social impact are central to its business strategy and organizational culture. With initiatives ranging from talent development to community involvement, the company creates a positive and collaborative environment aligned with the values of its employees.
Joining inclusive communities and getting involved in programs like Time2Give are opportunities that help employees connect, develop skills, and find a greater purpose at work.
