When I joined Cisco in 2000, it was one of my most proudest moments. I used to pinch myself everyday for the first week. Soon after, we experienced a downturn in the market and Cisco prepared for a big layoff. It was inevitable and the entire management chain were very saddened. However, post layoff many people started bailing ship. They smelled something the rest of us coudn't. Some us decided to stay and support Cisco through its tough times. What was the end result.... When time came to Axe some people they specifically targeted those long timers, 1) who didnt get their fare share of salary adjustments, 2) who didnt get any stock options replacements for all of the underswater ones, 3) who eventually didnt get any stock options at all, 4) who werent allowed to get training to keep up with their skillsets, 4) who had to make changes in their jobs enable to work virtually.
It gets better.... when they axe these people, they slap on a 6 month cooling period so that directly or indirectly will not allow past employees to take on assignments back at Cisco.
Its a horrible company, with horrible management and horrible work environments.
They now have the sneakiest ways to plan layoffs. The last one was a manager rotation program that makes it easier for the new managers to get rid of people they dont really know.