Cisco

Big company and the industry leader. Overall pretty stable, though there have been annual 5-10% layoffs in the summer for the last few years.

Pay is low for the effort, and raises are meager. Employees are asked to meet ridiculously tight deadlines, even if it means working 50-60 hours a week for multiple weeks. Work-life balance is absent; employees are expected/required to be available on weekday nights and weekends. Management comes across as self-centered and high-handed. Growth/career advancement opportunities are minimal. Those who are good at office politics get promoted; hard work isn't recognized as it should be. The culture leaves a lot to be desired. In my years here, I have come across a lot of rude and curt colleagues at the company. There should be more open dialogue/transfer of information between management and the team.

Salaries need to be competitive. Employees deserve to be compensated better. Career growth should be encouraged. The culture should be made supportive and welcoming.