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Jamaica’s employers are being challenged to take a more decisive leadership role in shaping the country’s economic recovery, workplace resilience, and future competitiveness.

President of the Jamaica Employers’ Federation, Wayne Chen, says Jamaica is facing a defining moment as businesses confront rapid technological change, evolving workforce expectations, global economic uncertainty, and the urgent need for national rebuilding.

Chen’s message comes as the Jamaica Employers’ Federation prepares to host Convention 2026, its Annual Business & Workplace Convention and Expo, from June 11 to 12, 2026, at Summit Kingston, 16 Chelsea Avenue, Kingston 10, under the theme “Rebuilding With Purpose: Turning Crisis into Opportunity.”

According to Chen, the current environment demands a new quality of leadership from employers across Jamaica.

“Across the business landscape, employers are navigating a convergence of forces — rapid technological advancement, evolving workforce expectations, and global economic uncertainty,” Chen said. “At the same time, the country is contending with the realities of recovery and rebuilding, demanding a renewed focus on resilience, productivity, and sustainable growth.”

He said leadership now matters more than ever.

“Employers today must do more than respond to change — they must lead through it,” Chen stated.

The JEF President said organisations that invest deliberately in people, skills development, workplace culture, adaptability, and innovation will be better positioned to compete and succeed in an increasingly complex environment.

He noted that workforce development is no longer optional, but central to productivity, national competitiveness, and sustainable business growth.

“Organisations that prioritise skills development, workplace culture, and adaptability will be better positioned to succeed,” Chen said.

Convention 2026 has been designed as a timely and practical response to these realities. The event will bring together employers, policymakers, business leaders, human resource professionals, entrepreneurs, workplace specialists, and thought leaders for two days of high-level dialogue, practical learning, and strategic engagement.

The Convention will explore several major issues facing employers and the wider economy, including leadership, workplace resilience, artificial intelligence, labour relations, occupational health and safety, employee benefits and pensions, business continuity, organisational culture, productivity, and the future of work.

The programme will feature a strong list of Jamaican and international speakers, including Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., Minister of Labour and Social Security; Roberto Suárez Santos, Secretary-General of the International Organisation of Employers; Gilbert Houngbo, Director-General of the International Labour Organisation; and Wayne Chen, President of the Jamaica Employers’ Federation.

The presenter line-up also includes legal, business, leadership, human resources, psychology, safety, pensions, and organisational development experts who will share insights on how Jamaican businesses can strengthen their capacity to survive, adapt, and grow.

Chen said the role of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises will be especially important in the rebuilding process.

“These businesses represent the backbone of our economy. Strengthening their resilience and capacity is essential to ensuring inclusive economic growth and broad-based opportunity,” he said.

He also emphasised the need for stronger collaboration among the private sector, Government, and civil society.

“As we look ahead, collaboration will be critical. The private sector, government, and civil society must work together to create an enabling environment for business success,” Chen said.

The Jamaica Employers’ Federation said Convention 2026 is intended to be more than a conference. It is being positioned as a strategic national platform to help employers convert disruption into direction, uncertainty into innovation, and crisis into opportunity.

The Convention is expected to attract leaders from across sectors who are seeking practical solutions, stronger networks, and fresh approaches to navigating Jamaica’s changing business and workplace environment.