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 Maine, 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 employment offers. HR is also responsible for managing wages, benefits, and paid time off (PTO), as well as handling unpaid leave in accordance with state and federal laws such as the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Employee evaluations and the termination process are also under the purview of HR, which must comply with employment laws to avoid wrongful termination claims. Additionally, HR departments in Maine handle unemployment insurance claims, ensuring that former employees receive any benefits they are entitled to under state law. The size and structure of an HR department can vary widely depending on the size of the organization, with smaller companies sometimes having only one person responsible for HR tasks, while larger organizations may have a team led by an HR manager or director.