The 250 delegates at the recent Human Resource Management Association of Jamaica (HRMAJ) 44th annual leadership conference agreed that members had a significant role to play in Jamaica realising its goals under Vision 2030. This included developing a thriving work place, so as to achieve each employee’s fullest potential and a secure, just and cohesive society, in order for the Jamaican economy to be prosperous.

The conference, held on November 14 and 15 at the AC Marriott Hotel in Kingston, focused on helping leaders and human resource management practitioners to better understand that their contribution is critical to organisational and national development. The two-day conference was under the theme “HR Revolution: Navigating The Future…2030 and Beyond.”

Among the key topics covered were the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI); diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI); work-life integration; work place flexibility, as well human-centric and adaptive leadership in navigating current and future complexities of a rapidly evolving work force.

Attendees benefitted from future-focused discussions on emerging human resource trends and practices; expected challenges; strategies and opportunities to review real-world examples and success stories from local and international organisations.

Hosts of the conference (from left) HRMAJ first vice president Melissa Anderson and conference chair Dr Lois Parkes.

“HRMAJ is committed to elevating the ‘people profession’, which has expanded beyond what we typically once knew as the HR functions,” said HRMAJ President Dr Cassida Jones Johnson, Independent Executive Consultant with over 20 years’ experience in strategic human resource, talent management, people engagement and executive coaching.

“With other roles emerging in preparation for the future workplace, which has been changing in definition, the significance of upskilling and reskilling in the field in preparation for the role and impact of AI provide opportunities to transition administrative functions and areas such as culture, engagement and human-centric leadership at the forefront of all organisations,” she continued. “In fact, our 44th conference has raised the anchor for navigating the seas ahead, with opportunities to collaborate with other associations across the region and in developed countries.”

Conference Chair Dr Lois Parkes, Leadership Development Institutional Specialist for the Caribbean Centre for Development Administration, noted: “Conference 44 was a huge success, as it created the platform for deep discussions on critical human resource and leadership policy challenges affecting both the private and public sectors. Going forward, HRMAJ will continue to provide an avenue for further dialogue, policy guidance and capacity building to empower work organisations to address these challenges head on.”

To encourage work-life balance, the delegates were treated to representations of Jamaica’s rich cultural heritage of film and comedy through the showing of the six winning films of the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) Short Film Competition 2024, the Laugh Lab and open mic with comedians Elias Fennell and Christopher ‘Johnny’ Daley. There was also a wellness component by fitness advocate Shani McGraham-Shirley, who conducted exercise sessions.

The conference was supported by such sponsors as Caribbeanjobs.com; Securys (Jamaica) Limited; HEART/NSTA Trust; Management Institute for National Development (MIND); National Housing Trust (NHT) and John Galt Insurance Brokers Limited. Exhibitors included: Dale Carnegie Training; Jamaica Stock Exchange e-Campus; Bioregeneration Integrated Medical Centre; Allied Insurance Brokers & GK Mutual Funds; Mona School of Business; Gift Tech Limited; University of Technology Jamaica (UTECH), Return on Investment Consulting (ROIC) Limited; Orbit360 & Roar Unleashed and Caribbean HR Solutions.

Through advocacy, policy guidance and world-class training in many areas of human resource and leadership to build capacity, competencies and credibility for people professionals and emerging leaders, HRMAJ remains committed to promoting organisational growth, enhancing human capital development and increasing workforce productivity. The association may be reached through website www.hrmaj.org.