This excerpt is from our FY24 Purpose Report, marking four decades of influence at Cisco. The data reflected pertains to Cisco’s fiscal year 2024, concluding on July 31, 2024.
Community Engagement as a Cornerstone
At Cisco, actively contributing to our local communities is an integral facet of the employee experience. During fiscal year 2024, over 80% of employees engaged in community service for the fifth consecutive year. This involvement took various forms, including donating time and funds, utilizing personal skills for social good, advocating for significant causes, committing to actions through pledges, and participating in sustainability initiatives. Research has consistently demonstrated that individuals who contribute positively to their surroundings experience reduced turnover rates and increased recognition and rewards.
Innovative Community Impact Tools
The Community Impact Portal serves as a vital resource for employees seeking opportunities to volunteer and measure their contributions effectively. We offer support in over 20 languages along with tax receipts and a convenient mobile application designed to simplify participation. Notably this year, we expanded the range of eligible causes significantly—from just 7,000 nonprofits previously to an impressive 90,000 (and continuing), thus allowing employees ample choices about which initiatives they wish to support through our Matching Gifts Program.
Enhancements in Matching Gifts Program
This fiscal year saw our Matching Gifts Program enhance its offerings by providing up to $25,000 annually per individual employee in matching donations. At Cisco’s discretion we also match contributions made by employees whether they be monetary gifts or shares as well as time dedicated through volunteering efforts. Furthermore, under our Time2Give initiative each employee is entitled to take advantage of up to 80 hours of paid leave for community service activities every calendar year.
Empowering Change from Within
Cisco team members act as catalysts for transformative change; they are motivated by the company’s mission and often initiate grassroots efforts towards this end. An inspiring example comes from a group that orchestrated their own “Global Week of Giving.” This initiative included themes such as sustainability and education throughout the quarters; it resulted in an impressive turnout where approximately 6,000 participants emerged while generating around $180K through matching donations during fiscal year 2024.
Tapping into Pro Bono Opportunities
Pro bono programs present opportunities for employees across various roles—allowing them to donate their expertise globally while enhancing communities’ resources.. For instance: within Cisco’s Legal Department alone—with specialized skills harnessed—that nearly all U.S.-based attorneys engaged with pro bono work grew from just over half (56%) last fiscal cycle up now significantly at 91%. Participants focus on traditional legal assistance along with supporting legal aid organizations aiming at scalability while finding innovative applications using Cisco technology that facilitates better access across judicial services everywhere needed most.
For additional insights concerning our ongoing journey toward fostering an Inclusive Future For All visit us at the Cisco Purpose Reporting Hub.
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