Inclusion & Diversity

Overview

The Early in Career Network (ECN) helps members gain a better understanding on how globalization and working in virtual teams can positively affect the workplace. This Employee Resource Group (ERG) also shows how different generations can communicate and work together effectively.

According to “Generation Y and the Workplace: How Our Generation Wants to Work,” today’s new workforce is looking for:

• Sustainability: 95 percent of employees want an environmentally aware workplace
• Flexibility and mobility: 57 percent prefer to choose when and where to work, and 78 percent prefer to be mobile rather than static workers
• Improved learning experiences, with more opportunities for learning, interesting colleagues, and improved quality of life

ECN helps newly hired Cisco employees and other individuals who are new in their careers succeed. The group facilitates a networking, mentorship, and knowledge-sharing platform that helps:

• Ease the orientation process
• Guide all employees who are in their early years at Cisco, regardless of age

With more than 5000 members worldwide, ECN helps people:

• Understand Cisco culture, procedures, and functions
• Network with colleagues inside and outside of their functions and geographies
• Expand their knowledge and skills through trainings and events
• Be part of a buddy or mentorship program for guidance and career development
• Participate in partnership events with internal and external organizations, interacting with subject-matter experts on a wide range of topics

ECN uses the following technologies:

• Cisco WebEx solutions
• Cisco Quad
• Cisco WebEx Connect
• Cisco TelePresence solutions

This Cisco technology supports one of the most important goals of ECN, which is to facilitate cross-functional, cross-border networking and best-practice sharing.

What Makes Cisco ECN Most Proud

In the past year, ECN participated in the State Farm Partnership Event in San Jose, California. During the course of six sessions, members showcased Cisco TelePresence and Cisco WebEx technologies, as well as addressed issues and shared best practices for:

• Employee engagement
• Recruiting and retention
• Cross-generational working environments
• Barriers to adoption
• Strategic business alignment

The Cisco TelePresence events were cohosted by Cisco and State Farm. They drew more than 70 attendees from State Farm and ECN chapters across the United States. Participating organizations freely expressed their best practices on inclusion and diversity, and all participants learned from each other.

ECN team members shared insightful recommendations on proven Cisco programs, such as:

• Reverse Mentoring Program
• Use of social media for reaching out to candidates
• Extensive Internship Program

Overall, this was a tremendously successful event, and ECN members are looking forward to future engagement sessions with State Farm’s Young Business Professionals (YBP).