Cisco Workforce Reductions

Source: Hacker News

Announcement Overview

Today we announced our Q3 FY26 earnings with record revenue of $15.8 billion, up 12 percent year over year, and double‑digit top‑ and bottom‑line growth. The ELT and I could not be prouder of the growth you have all delivered for Cisco.

These results are especially impressive given the complex environment we’re operating in—a rapidly changing market, intensifying competition, and a global shortage of components critical to support our portfolio and the AI build‑out from our customers.

Workforce Reduction

• Number of jobs affected: fewer than 4,000 (less than 5 percent of our total employee base)
• Notification timeline: most notifications will begin on May 14 and continue globally in alignment with applicable local laws and regulations.

Leaders will share details directly with impacted employees, including timing, available resources, support, and benefits in each country. This will include pro‑rated payment of FY26 bonuses to impacted employees.

Support for Affected Employees

• Placement services: Cisco’s placement program has helped 75 percent of participants find their next role.
• Learning resources: One year of access to all Cisco U courses and certifications (covering AI, Security, Networking, and more).

We are committed to providing personalized learning and assistance in finding new opportunities, whether internal or external.

Strategic Investments

While reducing roles in some areas, we are making clear, strategic investments in:

• Silicon
• Optics
• Security
• Employee use of AI across the company

These investments build on a position of strength and focus on technologies and businesses that will accelerate growth, deliver unmatched innovation to customers and partners, and define our future.

Closing Remarks

To those leaving Cisco, thank you for your contribution, dedication, and the mark you have made on this company. We are deeply grateful and will handle this transition with the care, clarity, and respect that defines our culture.

For those who will continue here, we will discuss these changes and answer questions at the Cisco Beat on May 21 at 8 a.m. PT.

We have important, impactful, and consequential work ahead. Your focus, resilience, and leadership are vital to our growth and relevance in FY27 and beyond.

Chuck and the Executive Leadership Team