As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to transform workplaces around the world, Jamaican businesses are being asked to rethink how they develop talent and prepare for an evolving labor market.
According to PricewaterhouseCoopers’ (PwC) 2026 AI Employment Barometer, AI is reshaping the skills that employers value most.
“AI is increasing the importance of uniquely human capabilities,” said Hugh Thompson, director of consulting (digital transformation) at PwC Jamaica. “Employees need to combine AI literacy with critical thinking, communication, leadership, and sound judgment.”
The report analyzed more than 1 billion job advertisements across 27 countries and territories and found that jobs requiring AI-related skills are growing nearly eight times faster than the overall job market, and that workers with AI skills now command a 62 percent wage premium globally.
PwC research also shows clear differences in how AI is shaping roles.
“As AI transforms the workplace, organizations need to ensure their employees have both the technical and human skills they need to succeed,” said Thompson. “As AI becomes more integrated into daily work, the ability to adapt, collaborate, communicate effectively, and make sound decisions will become increasingly important.”
The study found that companies most exposed to AI outperformed, with large organizations seeing 163% labor productivity growth, while other companies saw much lower growth.
“While much of the conversation around AI has focused on which jobs may be lost, the bigger story is how jobs are changing,” said Josette Frances Wint, senior manager of consulting (workforce) at PwC Jamaica. “Organizations that are generating the most value from AI are using the technology to augment human expertise, improve decision-making, and unlock new growth opportunities.”
The report also highlights that entry-level roles are rapidly changing. In professions exposed to AI, junior positions are more likely to require skills traditionally associated with senior staff, such as leadership and creativity. These roles have increased by 35% since 2019, while other entry-level roles have decreased.
For Jamaican employers, the findings reinforce the need to invest in workforce transformation, including upskilling, role redesign, change management and responsible AI adoption.
“As AI becomes more integrated into daily business operations, success will depend on how effectively organizations combine technology and human capabilities,” Thompson added. “Companies that invest in both will be in the best position to compete and grow.”
