A human resource of a company or organization is generally an employee, and the department that communicates with employees and manages employee-related issues—including job applications, job interviews, drug tests, employment offers, wages, benefits, paid time off (PTO), unpaid leave, employee reviews, termination of employment, and unemployment insurance claims—is often known as the human resources department, or human resources, or simply HR. An employer’s human resources department may consist of one person in a smaller organization or many persons in a larger organization, and is often headed by a human resources manager or human resources director.

In Georgia, as in other states, the human resources (HR) department plays a crucial role in managing the employer-employee relationship. This includes overseeing the hiring process, which encompasses job postings, interviews, and drug tests. HR is also responsible for making employment offers and handling compensation matters such as wages and benefits. The department manages paid time off (PTO) and unpaid leave, ensuring compliance with applicable laws such as the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Employee performance is monitored through reviews, and HR handles the sensitive process of employment termination. Additionally, HR assists with unemployment insurance claims, guiding both the employer and the employee through the state's regulations. The size of the HR department can vary, with smaller organizations possibly having a single HR professional, while larger companies may have a team led by an HR manager or director. Georgia employers must comply with both state statutes and federal laws governing employment, including the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) for wage and hour regulations, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) guidelines to prevent discrimination.