"...fewer than 4,000 jobs, representing less than 5 percent of our total employee base."

I cringe at this attempt to soften the numbers by saying "fewer than" and "less than" here. Conversely, and ironically, it also puts inflated numbers in your head.

"How many people will be axed at Cisco?"

"3,998 ... but at least it's fewer than 4,000!"