Purpose: The article concerns the contemporary approach to employees in organizations, and the research question is whether strategic thinking about employees is a possibility or necessity of the contemporary organization.

Methodology: Literature research was the basis for the deliberations and proposals, which were analyzed using several empirical studies conducted by Polish and international research centers.

Results: The presented discussion suggests that contemporary organizations should think strategically about their employees if they want to succeed. But this approach cannot be limited only to investing in employee competencies, but should also take into consideration building a working environment that ensures the success of both the organization and the worker.

Originality: The article suggests the necessity of a strategic approach regarding employees in the contemporary business world. At the same time it indicates that organizations cannot treat employees only with the organizational profits in mind. In strategic thinking about employees there must also be room for other benefits, such as the success of an employee.