Problem 1: Ethnocentrism in the workplace occurs in various forms. One example is office closings for certain holidays. Many workplaces close for the following holidays: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day (July 4th), Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and others depending on the company (some close for President's Day, Veterans' Day, Good Friday, and others). These are holidays that are celebrated by many Americans in the US. However, holidays like Juneteenth (which was just recognized as a holiday), MLK Day, Kwanza, Ramadan and others are recognized, but businesses do not close their doors on these special days. Another example of ethnocentrism at work is a company with predominantly white employees. At my last job there were under 55 employees, and only 7 of us were POC. Ethnocentrism was also apparent through the company's marketing; The billboards designed only included white people, as did the video ads that were created.
Problem 2: Practical changes that can be made include implementing hiring diversity, and being more inclusive. In hiring diverse employees, companies are broadening the playing field and giving people of different backgrounds a chance. Being more inclusive allows for minority employees to feel included and feel a sense of belonging.
Problem 3: We can make practical and personal changes by being more welcoming of others. I believe that once we realize that everyone is different and that being different is not a bad thing, then we can begin to accept others. Being open to learning from others would benefit us and make our communities a better place. Viewing the world with a broader lens can help minimize the constant need to separate ourselves from others that we don't see as similar to us.