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 Washington State, the human resources (HR) department of a company is responsible for managing a wide range of employee-related processes and issues. This includes overseeing job applications, conducting job interviews, administering drug tests, making employment offers, and managing wages, benefits, and paid time off (PTO). HR also handles unpaid leave, employee reviews, termination of employment, and unemployment insurance claims. The size of an HR department can vary from a single individual in smaller organizations to multiple staff members in larger ones, typically led by an HR manager or director. Washington State law requires employers to comply with various state statutes and federal laws in carrying out these HR functions. For instance, the Washington State Minimum Wage Act sets the minimum wage for employees, and the Washington Law Against Discrimination provides protections against workplace discrimination. Additionally, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program offer guidelines on employee leave entitlements. Employers must also adhere to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) for wage and hour regulations, and the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) for ensuring a safe work environment. HR departments are crucial in ensuring that employers meet these legal requirements and maintain compliance with employment laws.