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 Wisconsin, 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, which encompasses job postings, applications, interviews, and drug tests. HR is also responsible for making employment offers and handling sensitive information regarding wages, benefits, and paid time off (PTO). Additionally, HR manages various types of leave, including unpaid leave, and ensures compliance with state and federal laws regarding family and medical leave. Employee performance reviews and the termination process, including layoffs and discharge, fall under HR's purview. When an employee is terminated, HR typically handles the process and may assist with unemployment insurance claims. Wisconsin's Department of Workforce Development (DWD) provides guidelines and regulations that HR departments must follow regarding unemployment insurance, wage and hour laws, and anti-discrimination policies. The size and structure of an HR department can vary greatly depending on the size of the organization, with smaller companies sometimes having only one person overseeing HR functions, while larger organizations may have a dedicated team led by an HR manager or director.