Cisco is a well-known American multinational technology conglomerate specializing in designing, manufacturing, and selling networking equipment. The company was founded in 1984 by Leonard Bosack and Sandy Lerner to connect different computer networks. Today, Cisco is one of the leading companies in the technology industry, with over 83,000 employees worldwide.

As an employer, Cisco values its employees and strives to provide them with comprehensive employee benefits to ensure their overall well-being. Let's take a closer look at the various benefits that Cisco offers to its employees.

7 Cisco Employee Benefits That Attract The Best

Below are some of the top benefits that Cisco offers to its employees.

1. Health And Lifestyle Benefits

Cisco understands the importance of employee health and wellness and thus provides various benefits to support it. These include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their families. 

The company also offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that provides resources and support for mental health, financial planning, legal advice, and other personal issues.

Cisco also promotes a healthy work-life balance by offering flexible work schedules, paid time off (PTO), maternity/paternity leave, adoption assistance programs, on-site fitness centers, wellness programs such as yoga classes, and gym memberships.

Competitive Compensation And Financial Benefits

Cisco believes in rewarding innovation, collaboration, and achievement. Cisco offers competitive compensation packages, aligning pay with performance rather than seniority. This approach motivates employees to strive for excellence in their work, fostering a dynamic and productive work environment.

Employee Stock Purchase Program

As a company with some of the best employee benefits and perks, Cisco provides an attractive Employee Stock Purchase Program. This program allows employees to invest in the company's financial future by purchasing Cisco stock at a discounted rate. 

Employees can invest up to 10% of their salary, creating an opportunity to increase their wealth along with the company's growth.

Tuition Reimbursement

Cisco understands the importance of lifelong learning and supports it by providing tuition reimbursement. 

Employees are eligible to receive reimbursement for tuition, lab fees, and books for coursework at an accredited institution. This benefit encourages employees to pursue further education and develop their skills, fostering personal growth and professional development.

Annual Bonuses

Cisco provides annual bonuses to its employees. However, these bonuses are not merely based on seniority. Instead, they are performance-driven, rewarding individuals for their exceptional work performance over the year. This strategy ensures employees are motivated to consistently deliver high-quality work, contributing to the company's overall success.

2. End-Of-Year Shutdown

Each year, Cisco empowers employees to break away from their work routine with a year-end shutdown. If they're in North America, they must take time off, while colleagues globally are urged to follow suit.

This is more than just a company-wide vacation. It's a chance for employees to unplug, rejuvenate, and share quality moments with loved ones. By creating such a window, Cisco underscores the importance of work-life balance. 

In turn, employees can return to work invigorated, fostering a resilient and productive workforce. This shutdown goes a long way to explain why Cisco appeals to top talent and maintains low employee turnover rates.

3. Mental Wellness Program

Cisco prioritizes mental wellness with its initiative named Cisco Mind Set. This program equips employees with cognitive strategies based on mindfulness and scientific evidence, aiming to enhance their mental endurance. It allows them to opt for either instructor-led courses or on-demand lessons, empowering them to improve resilience, focus, adaptability, and, eventually, work performance.

The courses support various languages, including English, Spanish, Portuguese, Mandarin, and Canadian French, making them accessible to a diverse workforce. This investment in mental health further demonstrates Cisco's commitment to employee well-being, making it a top choice for prospective job seekers.

4. Employee Discount Program

One of the top work perks employees actually want is discounts on a wide range of products and services. Cisco employees get exclusive discounts on a wide range of products and services. This includes electronics, fitness memberships, travel, and more. 

They can even enjoy reduced prices on Cisco products. It's a simple, effective way that Cisco rewards them for their hard work.

This perk demonstrates Cisco's focus on employee satisfaction, making it a sought-after company for job seekers. It also adds to the overall appeal of Cisco's comprehensive benefits package.

5. Job Swap Program

Another unique benefit Cisco offers its employees is the Job Swap Program. This initiative allows employees to switch jobs with another employee from a different department for a certain period. It's an excellent opportunity to gain new skills, knowledge, and perspectives while also building connections across teams.

The Job Swap Program promotes diversity and inclusion within the company and fosters cross-functional collaboration. It also encourages employees to take on new challenges and explore different career paths within Cisco.

6. Time Swap Program

Similar to the Job Swap Program, Cisco’s Time Swap Program allows an employee to swap up to 20% of their job with a colleague. Employees swapping roles like this can use the time to master new skills, learn how other departments operate, and gain deeper insight into how the company operates.

Not only does the employee benefit by learning new skills and being exposed to different roles and responsibilities, but the company also empowers its workforce to be more adaptable. This adaptability is an investment in a robust workforce that makes it easier to fill new or empty roles, ensuring the company can operate at its best.

7. Stretch Assignment Program

Cisco's Stretch Assignment Program is a development opportunity for employees looking to advance their careers within the company. It allows employees to take on projects or assignments outside their usual job responsibilities. This program enables employees to showcase their skills, learn new ones, and gain visibility within the company.

Stretch assignments can range from leading a team, managing a project, or working on a cross-functional initiative. They provide valuable experience and exposure that can help employees grow professionally and prepare for future roles at Cisco.

Final Thoughts

HR professionals seeking to build a thriving and engaged workforce can undoubtedly draw inspiration from Cisco's innovative approach. 

Cisco's company perks and benefits extend beyond the typical health and retirement plans, focusing on holistic employee development and growth opportunities. Their programs, such as Time Swap and Job Swap, demonstrate an understanding and respect for employees' life outside of work and their desire for diverse experiences and flexibility.

By emulating Cisco's employee-focused benefits strategy, you can attract, retain, and cultivate top talent, fostering a corporate culture of growth, diversity, and collaboration.