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 Illinois, the human resources (HR) department of a company or organization plays a crucial role in managing the employer-employee relationship. This includes overseeing the hiring process, from job postings to conducting interviews and administering drug tests. HR is also responsible for making employment offers, setting up wage structures, and managing benefits and paid time off (PTO) policies. Additionally, HR handles sensitive matters such as employee reviews, disciplinary actions, terminations, and the processing of unemployment insurance claims. The size of an HR department can vary greatly, from a single individual in small companies to large teams in bigger organizations, typically led by an HR manager or director. Illinois state statutes and federal laws, such as the Illinois Human Rights Act, the Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act, and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), guide HR practices to ensure compliance with employment laws and the protection of employee rights.