Highlights 

  • Cisco advances workplace design with a focus on inclusion and neuroinclusivity. 
  • The company reimagines its London office to support a wide range of cognitive and sensory needs. 
  • Sensory zoning, adaptable lighting, and acoustic comfort anchor the redesigned environment. 
  • Cisco introduces standardized neuroinclusive guidelines into its global Workplace Design Playbook. 
  • Technology integration through Cisco Spaces and Webex enhances navigation and hybrid collaboration. 

Cisco(TSX:CSCO)continues to transform the role of the physical office by prioritizing how people collaborate, learn, connect, and innovate. The company’s latest workplace design strategy acknowledges that employees need more than just a place to complete tasks—they require environments that support concentration, private conversations, quick resets, and meaningful in-person interaction. 

As employee expectations evolve, Cisco emphasizes inclusion as a foundation of its workplace philosophy. This approach goes beyond conventional accessibility to incorporate neuroinclusion, which considers how individuals process information, manage sensory input, and engage with their surroundings. With a workforce that is increasingly diverse in thinking styles, Cisco aims to design workspaces that support a wide array of experiences and needs. 

London Renovation Brings Neuroinclusivity to Life 

Cisco’s recent renovation of its Finsbury Circus office in London offered a real-world opportunity to implement its human-centered design strategy. The space acts as both a customer destination and an active workplace, making it an ideal environment to showcase how design and technology can intersect to enhance employee wellbeing. 

The internal study conducted during the project highlighted a gap between collaboration-built offices and the cognitive diversity of employees. To bridge this, Cisco developed neuroinclusive design guidelines focusing on light, sound, color, air quality, spatial layout, and sensory zoning. 

The redesigned office includes open sight lines that simplify navigation and reduce anxiety. High- and low-stimulation zones allow employees to choose spaces that match their sensory preferences, while a single-person reflection room offers a private retreat for decompressing during overwhelming moments. 

Lighting choices are tailored for comfort, mixing consistent overhead lighting with dimmable options in quiet areas. Acoustic measures, including soundproof rooms and strategic placement of equipment, support focus and minimize distraction. Natural materials, calming neutral tones, and tactile finishes further reduce sensory overload. 

Technology integration through Cisco Spaces enables digital wayfinding and optimizes environmental controls via smart sensors. Webex systems throughout the office ensure equitable communication experiences for employees working in hybrid settings. 

A Model for Future Cisco Workspaces Worldwide 

The updated London office represents a milestone in Cisco’s global workplace evolution. The UK and Ireland remain key hubs in the company’s network, and this project signals a shift toward designing offices that accommodate diverse working styles while maintaining a sense of community and innovation. 

The insights gained from this renovation are now shaping future Cisco offices around the world. The company’s commitment to neuroinclusivity signals a long-term strategy focused on elevating human experience, fostering creativity, and supporting wellbeing across all work environments. 

Conclusion 

Cisco’s focus on human-centered, neuroinclusive design highlights its commitment to building workplaces that meet the needs of a changing workforce. By blending thoughtful spatial planning with advanced technology, the company is creating environments that allow every employee to contribute at their best.