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 South Dakota, 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 employment 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. Additionally, HR handles performance evaluations, employee discipline, and the termination process. When an employee is terminated, HR may assist with unemployment insurance claims. 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 handling HR duties, while larger organizations may have a team led by an HR manager or director. South Dakota state statutes and federal laws, including the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and anti-discrimination laws, guide HR practices and ensure that employment-related activities comply with legal standards.