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 Idaho, as in other states, the human resources (HR) department plays a critical role in managing the employer-employee relationship. This includes overseeing the hiring process, from job postings and interviews to drug testing and extending job offers. HR departments are also responsible for managing compensation and benefits, such as setting wages, administering benefits, and coordinating paid time off (PTO) and unpaid leave. Employee performance reviews and the termination process, including layoffs and firings, fall under HR's purview. Additionally, HR handles unemployment insurance claims, ensuring compliance with both state and federal regulations. Idaho's Department of Labor provides guidelines and resources for employers on various employment-related matters, including wage and hour laws, health and safety regulations, and unemployment insurance. Employers in Idaho must also comply with federal laws such as the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which set standards for wages, hours, and non-discrimination in the workplace.