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 New Hampshire, the human resources (HR) department of a company is responsible for managing a wide range of employee-related functions. These functions include overseeing the hiring process, which encompasses job postings, interviews, and drug testing, in accordance with both state and federal employment laws. HR departments also handle the creation and execution of employment offers, as well as the administration of wages, benefits, and paid time off (PTO) policies. They are tasked with ensuring compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) for wage and hour regulations, and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) for leave entitlements, among other laws. Additionally, HR manages performance evaluations, the termination process, and unemployment insurance claims, adhering to New Hampshire's labor laws and the New Hampshire Unemployment Compensation Law. The size and structure of an HR department can vary, with smaller organizations possibly having a single HR professional, while larger companies may have a team led by an HR manager or director. It is crucial for HR personnel to stay informed about legal updates to maintain compliance with all applicable employment laws.