A Holistic Approach to Flexible Work

Cisco Systems (Cisco)'s technology changes the way the world works, lives, plays and learns. But its edge doesn't just come from the technology - it comes from its people.

Cisco designed its flexible work policies with the understanding that every employee has different life situations and needs.

Here are some insights on Cisco's success:

• Conscious Culture that Hinges on Trust

Cisco's Conscious Culture forms the backdrop of its policies and practices. It focuses on the importance of employees being aware - "conscious" - of the environment they're part of and feeling accountable, empowered, and expected to act in creating the culture they want to work in. This fosters an inclusive environment where employees openly share their own perspectives and are respected, valued and heard.

While many organisations value face-time and expect employees to clock-in a certain number of hours, Cisco empowers its employees to manage their responsibilities and enables them to work flexibly from anywhere and on any device. This is attributed to its strong culture of trust and its guiding principle that focuses on work outcomes. Employees are also made aware of their accountability in completing their work. In the few cases where trust and accountability need to be reinforced, open and candid conversations are held for effective resolution. Such a mutual arrangement is based on Cisco's People Deal Framework which articulates the expectations the company has of its employees and makes a commitment on what employees can expect from it. 

• Technology to Collaborate and Keep Employees Engaged

To facilitate continued employee engagement and teamwork, Cisco leverages its Webex technology (a video conferencing platform) to allow employees to meet with individuals and teams anywhere and from any device. 

Having frequent connections and conversations with the team is a philosophy that Cisco subscribes to. People leaders have regular employee check-ins using Team Space to help them understand their team's priorities for the week, challenges and support required. It also helps them provide timely feedback to employees. 

• Workspaces Re-designed 

Cisco employees are not confined to a work station and have flexibility to work anywhere in the office which includes meeting rooms and discussion spaces that are equipped with video-conferencing tools and whiteboard functions to facilitate on-site and virtual meetings.

Cisco's holistic approach to workplace flexibility has allowed it to implement flexible work arrangements in a truly sustainable manner. 

“We recognise that our policies, practices and technology need to work seamlessly. Also that there is no one-size fits all approach and there needs to be mutual understanding between people leaders and employees to achieve business outcomes while facilitating work life integration within Cisco's culture of empowerment, trust and inclusion.” - Ms Lekha George, Head of HR ASEAN and Korea. 

“I always feel that Cisco Systems is a great place to work. I am empowered to manage my time and my kids never feel that I've neglected them. I can send them to school in the morning and spend time with them when they are back from school before I continue my work so long as my work gets done at the end of the day.” - Ms Kwok Wai Mui, Programme Manager and a mother of two. 

Sharing by Ms Lekha George, Head of HR ASEAN and Korea, on Cisco's culture (left) and a panel discussion (right) at a learning journey for employers organised by TAFEP.