Globally, work is changing unprecedentedly as technology, climate change, and artificial intelligence (AI) disrupt how we work.

The rise of the gig economy, the challenges posed by automation and AI, the pressing need for reskilling, and the growing emphasis on sustainable and meaningful employment have created a labyrinth of opportunities and challenges. Moreover, the unprecedented impact of the COVID-19 pandemic over the past three years has further magnified the fragility and global interconnectedness of the employment landscape. Jamaica is no exception.

As the nation grapples with the implications of this transformation, engaging in proactive dialogue about the future of work becomes imperative. This necessitates an urgent, collective introspection. Now, more than ever, there is a compelling need for a convergence of key stakeholders — academia, the Government, industry leaders in the private and public sectors, and the general public — to come together, reassess, and reimagine Jamaica’s position in the world of work.

The Statistical Institute of Jamaica (Statin) recently reported that the unemployment rate fell to its lowest, 4.5 per cent. However, Jamaica is experiencing a peculiar dichotomy: While the data shows historically low unemployment rates, there are still those in the labour market who are unemployable. Many Jamaicans also find themselves in precarious employment, with limited security, benefits, or avenues for upward mobility. Simultaneously, some industries across Jamaica are grappling with a notable skills shortage which threatens both current productivity and future growth. It’s a paradoxical situation — a workforce eager and available yet mismatched with the demands of the modern job market. Jamaica’s essence and definition of “quality employment” are at a crossroads.

The implications of this shift in the employment paradigm are multifaceted. One cannot merely analyse the data from a surface level; understanding the dynamics requires a comprehensive exploration of the structural issues that underpin Jamaica’s labour market. Factors, such as the existing education system, cultural attitudes towards specific job sectors, and the availability of resources for training and development play pivotal roles in shaping the employment scenario.

Jamaica’s unique cultural heritage, history, and socio-economic challenges make it distinct from other countries undergoing similar employment transitions. Therefore, the strategies required to navigate and leverage this evolving landscape must be tailor-made to the nation’s specific context. A one-size-fits-all approach borrowed from global narratives won’t suffice.

Furthermore, the role of technology cannot be overstated. As digital platforms and tools continue to permeate every sector, there is an urgency to ensure that the Jamaican workforce is not just digitally literate but also adaptable. Digital literacy goes beyond just knowing how to use a computer — it encompasses understanding the digital economy, e-commerce, cybersecurity, and other nuances of the tech world. And while it’s important to address the immediate challenges posed by technology, it’s equally essential to harness its potential to create innovative job opportunities.

Rebranding the Ministry of Labour and Social Security

In light of the urgent call for a summit on the future of work in Jamaica, I propose that the Government considers renaming the Ministry of Labour and Social Security the Ministry of Social Security and Workforce Sustainability.

Such a summit would seek to address the multifaceted challenges and opportunities presented by the new age of employment, and a ministry bearing a title that embodies these discussions will be instrumental in leading the charge. By the prominent placing of “social security”, the Government is signalling its intention to prioritise its citizens’ comprehensive well-being and protection amidst any shifts in the labour market.

Furthermore, “workforce sustainability” expands the conversation beyond just immediate employment. It encompasses discussions on preparing the Jamaican workforce for the digital age, strategies for continuous learning, and measures to ensure employment practices evolve with global trends while ensuring the worker of the future is safe, healthy, and able to work sustainably for a long time. It highlights a vision of an adaptable and resilient workforce that can navigate and thrive amidst technological and economic disruptions. This renaming will also likely garner attention and support from international bodies and organisations keen on partnering with nations that show proactive strategies in modern workforce planning.

As stakeholders convene for the summit, the ministry’s refreshed title will stand as a testament to Jamaica’s commitment to the immediate and long-term future of work in Jamaica, setting the stage for meaningful discourse and actionable outcomes.

The reimagined work in the age of new technologies should not be merely a conceptual exercise for Jamaica — it’s a necessity. We must ensure that our workforce is not just consumers of this technological advancement but also contributors and innovators. This requires a two-fold approach. Firstly, there’s an urgent need to redesign our educational curricula to embed tech literacy, critical thinking, and adaptability as core tenets from all education system levels. Secondly, in partnership with the universities, businesses must invest in upskilling and reskilling programmes, ensuring that those already in the workforce aren’t left behind in this tech evolution.

Such an endeavour also demands a holistic view of employment. This means considering not just urban centres but also the rural areas of Jamaica. How do we ensure that the benefits of technological advancements and training opportunities reach the farthest corners of the island? How do we create a balanced growth that is inclusive and equitable?

All these aspects point to the necessity of an in-depth summit at which these issues can be dissected, discussed, and addressed head-on. Jamaica needs a strategic road map built on the pillars of collaboration, innovation, and adaptability. This road map should encompass clear goals, actionable strategies, and measurable outcomes.

The summit should also prioritise the creation of feedback loops with the broader Jamaican community. It’s essential that the voices of all — from the tech-savvy youth in Kingston to the farmer in St Elizabeth — are heard and integrated into the national strategy for the future of work.

The changing nature of work is both a challenge and an opportunity. It is an opportunity for Jamaica to redefine its economic narrative; empower its citizens with the skills of the future; and ensure a resilient, sustainable, and prosperous future. The need for a summit on the future of work in Jamaica is about addressing challenges, unlocking potential, and paving the way for the next chapter in Jamaica’s growth story.

Over to you, Minister Pearnel Charles Jr. Let’s start the conversation!

Dr Henry Lewis Jr is an associate professor at University of Technology, Jamaica, in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. He is also a social scientist and executive life coach. Send comments to the Jamaica Observer or hjlewis@utech.edu.jm.