RIYADH — Cisco has been identified as one of the ‘Best Workplaces in Saudi Arabia’, by Great Place to Work (GPTW) Middle East, achieving second position in this year’s list. Great Place to Work recognized 25 private and 9 public and non-profit entities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, evaluating their success based on a comprehensive employee satisfaction survey and external audit. Cisco Saudi Arabia’s achievement comes in part from its adoption of a workplace ethos known as its ‘conscious culture’. To create a positive working environment, Cisco ensures that its employees are encouraged to reflect on their practices and become increasingly self-aware. Greater awareness helps the company enhance trust, empathy and integrity amongst peers. Employees also benefit from mentorship initiatives to help guide their personal career paths. Cisco prides itself on having a particularly diverse workforce, consisting of different genders, ethnicities, religions and more. Cisco’s goal is to be diverse across every function of its business, in every region and at all job levels. In ensuring diversity and inclusion, the company aims to illustrate equal opportunities for all of its staff. Additionally, employee wellbeing is regarded as a priority, with the organization having introduced its own Mental Health Strategy and campaign to raise awareness and reduce stigma. Employees now have access to on-site and virtual services, ensuring their welfare and is always put first. Cisco also runs the Pavelka Program — a wellbeing initiative focused on providing employees with the advice and resources needed to enable a healthy life