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 Nebraska, 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 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 delicate process of employment termination when necessary. Additionally, HR departments in Nebraska are involved in managing unemployment insurance claims, ensuring compliance with both state and federal labor laws. 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 overseeing HR functions, while larger organizations may have a team led by an HR manager or director. Nebraska employers must comply with state-specific regulations, such as the Nebraska Fair Employment Practice Act, as well as federal laws like the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).