The development of technology, the increasingly widespread use of its achievements prompt reflection on the role and importance of the human factor in contemporary organisations. The question arises: Will machines replace humans, or are humans more important than the products of modern technology? Therefore purposes of the paper are: 1) to identify the role and importance of the human factor in selected organisational models in relation to its other subsystems, including the technical subsystem; 2) to identify challenges to the human factor related to technological change in contemporary organisations. The study is theoretical in nature. A critical analysis of the literature on the subject was used as the research method. The methodologies of traditional and systematic literature review of the Scopus and WoS databases were used to collect data. The human factor plays a special role in organizational models. Without it, the other subsystems of the organisation, including the technical subsystem, would not be able to interact with each other, achieve the organisation's goals, create added value and the organisation's competitive position. The development of modern ICT technology, and Industry 4.0, poses challenges and threats to the human factor. It requires the development of the technical, digital and social competencies of employees. These competencies are essential for the integration and effective collaboration of humans and ICT. Researchers should look for comprehensive solutions leading to the integration of ICT technology with the human factor in the organization, so that modern technology supports people in their work, rather than replacing them. This requires research on HRM instruments that will facilitate employees' proper use of ICT, avoiding mistakes and risks associated with its incompetent use. Employers should introduce training and other HRM tools that develop employees' technical, digital and social competencies; develop and integrate technical and social subsystems with equal commitment and care.