Cisco's Record-Breaking LGBTQ+ Inclusion Achievements in 2023
As we work towards creating an Inclusive Future for All, enhancing inclusion and belonging for LGBTQ+ employees at Cisco remains a priority. In line with this commitment, we are proud to announce that Cisco has been honored by the 2023 Workplace Pride Impact Awards as an Ambassador-level achiever with a 78% rating. This rating marks one of the most significant year-over-year improvements among hundreds of companies. Additionally, Cisco emerged as the top scorer in the Information & Communication Industry category.
Workplace Pride, headquartered in the Netherlands, aims to promote LGBTQ+ inclusion in workplaces globally by raising awareness and offering measurement, research, and networking opportunities. Their Global Benchmark serves as the primary tool for evaluating LGBTQ+ policies and practices among international employers. With over 120 participating companies, many of which are our customers, partners, and competitors, we gain valuable insights into how Cisco compares with other organizations dedicated to inclusion.
Cisco’s Achievement
Our 78% rating is the highest score Cisco has achieved in the decade we have participated in the Global Benchmark, placing us among the 11 companies recognized in the Ambassador tier. With a 26% increase in our rating, Cisco stands out as one of the most improved companies in the Benchmark. Contributing to this success were initiatives such as the visible support from Cisco leadership, our LGBTQ+ Social Justice Fund, the introduction of Pronouns in our Cisco Employee Central (CEC) Directory, Cisco’s Self-ID program, and our Gender Affirmation policies.
“It has been both an effort and an honor to drive Cisco’s participation in the Global Benchmark. I am very proud to see that the recent progress made for LGBTQIA+ employees at Cisco is reflected in our outstanding and record-breaking results for 2023. This shows the true power of collaboration globally and across organizations; together we can truly make a difference for our employees," said Anna Chekelova, Pride Netherlands & Global Assessments Lead.
Driving Inclusion
These accomplishments are the result of the dedication and hard work of the Global Pride Inclusive Community, sponsors, the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, the People, Process & Policy organization, the Benefits team, and numerous Cisco leaders, teams, and individuals who champion LGBTQ+ inclusion at Cisco every day. Special thanks to the Netherlands chapter of the Pride Inclusive Community for their collaboration with Workplace Pride in assessing our progress and helping us continuously improve as leaders in LGBTQ+ inclusion.
“As a People & Communities representative and an ambassador for the Pride & Allies Community, it was my privilege to accept this award on behalf of Cisco. In my years as an HR leader, I have experienced firsthand what inclusion can do to improve engagement and performance. This award shows how Cisco’s Inclusive Communities, powered by diverse employees and their allies, can change our company and industry for the better. Together, we power an inclusive future for all,” said Jack Naidoo People & Communities Director, EMEA North.
Workplace Pride, headquartered in the Netherlands, aims to promote LGBTQ+ inclusion in workplaces globally by raising awareness and offering measurement, research, and networking opportunities. Their Global Benchmark serves as the primary tool for evaluating LGBTQ+ policies and practices among international employers. With over 120 participating companies, many of which are our customers, partners, and competitors, we gain valuable insights into how Cisco compares with other organizations dedicated to inclusion.
Cisco’s Achievement
Our 78% rating is the highest score Cisco has achieved in the decade we have participated in the Global Benchmark, placing us among the 11 companies recognized in the Ambassador tier. With a 26% increase in our rating, Cisco stands out as one of the most improved companies in the Benchmark. Contributing to this success were initiatives such as the visible support from Cisco leadership, our LGBTQ+ Social Justice Fund, the introduction of Pronouns in our Cisco Employee Central (CEC) Directory, Cisco’s Self-ID program, and our Gender Affirmation policies.
“It has been both an effort and an honor to drive Cisco’s participation in the Global Benchmark. I am very proud to see that the recent progress made for LGBTQIA+ employees at Cisco is reflected in our outstanding and record-breaking results for 2023. This shows the true power of collaboration globally and across organizations; together we can truly make a difference for our employees," said Anna Chekelova, Pride Netherlands & Global Assessments Lead.
Driving Inclusion
These accomplishments are the result of the dedication and hard work of the Global Pride Inclusive Community, sponsors, the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, the People, Process & Policy organization, the Benefits team, and numerous Cisco leaders, teams, and individuals who champion LGBTQ+ inclusion at Cisco every day. Special thanks to the Netherlands chapter of the Pride Inclusive Community for their collaboration with Workplace Pride in assessing our progress and helping us continuously improve as leaders in LGBTQ+ inclusion.
“As a People & Communities representative and an ambassador for the Pride & Allies Community, it was my privilege to accept this award on behalf of Cisco. In my years as an HR leader, I have experienced firsthand what inclusion can do to improve engagement and performance. This award shows how Cisco’s Inclusive Communities, powered by diverse employees and their allies, can change our company and industry for the better. Together, we power an inclusive future for all,” said Jack Naidoo People & Communities Director, EMEA North.
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