Inclusion & Diversity

Overview

The Cisco Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and Advocates Network (GLBT&A) embraces gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) individuals as part of the Cisco family. This Employee Resource Group (ERG) values these individuals for their contributions to the company and to their local and global communities.

This group works to advance its objectives by:

• Partnering with Cisco to help ensure a safe work environment for GLBT individuals
• Asserting support for, and establishing a widespread understanding of, nondiscrimination policies related to sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression
• Reaching out to the GLBT&A community and beyond to improve awareness and advocacy of GLBT issues
• Promoting education, philanthropy, and professional development opportunities

Cisco uses the network to connect employees to the world on topics that are important to the GLBT&A community. For example, Cisco employees worldwide came together and contributed a video to the "It Gets Better Project" on YouTube.

In addition, GLBT&A recently worked with the Cisco Disabilities Awareness Network to expand awareness of bullying. The group hosted an event with the Stand Up Foundation using Cisco WebEx technology, which was broadcast both internally and externally.

Cisco has also been working with high schools across the country. We bring students together using Cisco TelePresence technology in a virtual forum to collaborate and formulate solutions that address Internet bullying.

These types of activities help raise awareness of difficult issues. They also reinforce the importance of creating a place where diversity is valued and seen as a strength.

Cisco has a variety of benefits and policies to support the GLBT community and help ensure a safe, inclusive environment for all employees.

What Makes GLBT&A Most Proud

Cisco actively works to promote a sense of individual responsibility through leadership development courses and Safe Space training. These courses equip employees with the skills and confidence to address hostile behavior. The courses also help ensure that everyone knows what is and what is not acceptable in the workplace.

The goal is to create an environment where employees know that they have the right to bring their entire selves to work without fear of retribution.

At Cisco, we have a variety of programs and benefits for our GLBT employees. While benefits vary by country, our general strategy is to:

• Complement local legislation
• Help ensure that GLBT employees and their families feel that they are full, equal members of the Cisco family

We are proud of our leadership position on GLBT issues. We will continue to support all employees, regardless of sexual orientation, identity, or expression.

Awards

Cisco scored 100 percent in the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Corporate Equality Index (CEI).

Out in the Community

We want to strengthen our relationship with the communities in which we live, work, and play. We also want to learn and build more productive communities. Therefore, we intend to give back to the community by supporting global, national, and local GLBT organizations. These organizations include the Billy DeFrank Silicon Valley LGBT Community Center, the Gay Lesbian & Straight Education Network, and Bright Horizons.

Events

GLBT&A proudly supports No Name-Calling Week.