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 Kentucky, 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, which encompasses job postings, interviews, and drug tests. HR is also responsible for crafting employment offers and managing compensation packages, which include wages and benefits. Paid time off (PTO), unpaid leave, and employee reviews are other key areas managed by HR. When it comes to termination of employment, HR must ensure compliance with both state and federal laws, including the provision of final paychecks and continuation of health insurance when applicable. Additionally, HR handles unemployment insurance claims, guiding both the employer and the employee through the process. Kentucky's regulations on these matters are designed to protect the rights of workers while also providing guidelines for employers to manage their workforce effectively. The size of the HR department can vary greatly depending on the size of the organization, with larger companies typically having more specialized HR roles.