The article discusses the problems of unique employee competencies as determinants of initiating innovation at companies. The first part discusses the problems of enterprise innovation. The second part addresses the issue of initiating innovation, discussing theories of knowledge, inventiveness and creativity of employees, as key elements of the strategy of innovation and efficiency. The third chapter presents the results of a survey assessing employee satisfaction with the working conditions in order to encourage creative thinking. The last part of the article is a summary of management of employee skills in enterprises.