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 Missouri, 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, from job postings and interviews to drug testing and extending job offers. HR is also responsible for managing compensation and benefits, such as setting wages, administering benefits, and coordinating paid time off (PTO) and unpaid leave. Employee performance is monitored through regular reviews, and HR handles the sensitive processes of employment termination and assisting with unemployment insurance claims. The size and structure of an HR department can vary widely, from a single HR manager in small companies to larger teams with specialized roles in bigger organizations. Missouri state statutes and federal laws, including the Missouri Human Rights Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), provide a framework within which HR departments operate, ensuring compliance with employment laws and regulations.