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 Mississippi, 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 testing, which must comply with both state and federal laws, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). HR departments are also responsible for creating employment offers and managing compensation packages, including wages and benefits. They must adhere to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) for wage and hour regulations, and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) for issues related to PTO and unpaid leave. Employee evaluations and terminations must be conducted in accordance with state employment laws to avoid wrongful termination lawsuits. Additionally, HR handles unemployment insurance claims, ensuring compliance with the Mississippi Department of Employment Security's regulations. The size of an HR department can vary, with larger organizations typically having more HR staff and smaller ones possibly having a single HR manager or director. Regardless of size, HR must ensure that the company's policies and procedures comply with all relevant employment laws.