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 Oklahoma, as in many 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 is permissible under Oklahoma law with certain restrictions. HR is also responsible for making employment offers and managing compensation, benefits, and paid time off (PTO) in accordance with state and federal labor laws. Oklahoma follows the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) for wage and hour regulations. When it comes to unpaid leave, Oklahoma employers must comply with the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) for eligible employees. Employee evaluations and terminations are handled by HR, with terminations needing to adhere to both state and federal employment laws to avoid wrongful termination lawsuits. Additionally, HR manages unemployment insurance claims, which in Oklahoma are governed by the Oklahoma Employment Security Act. The size and structure of an HR department can vary greatly depending on the size of the organization, but its functions are generally consistent in ensuring compliance with employment laws and regulations.