The article emphasizes that the main resource potential of the enterprise is the labor potential. The components of labor potential are determined, among which the following are resettled: psychophysiological, value-motivational, personnel, qualification, professional, organizational and socio-demographic. The individual and organizational factors of formation of labor potential of the enterprise are revealed. The main quantitative and qualitative methods of labor potential assessment are analyzed. Means of selection of workers, ways of development of already formed labor collective are considered. It is emphasized that the basis for the development of labor potential is a professional, motivated employee, with the necessary set of competencies for the strategic development of enterprises, so the development of labor potential must be carried out on the basis of a competency approach. In this context, the author provides recommendations for improving the competence level of employees at all levels.