human resources

American  

[hyoo-muhn ree-sawr-sis, ree-zawr-siz, yoo-muhn] / ˈhyu mən ˈri sɔr sɪs, ˈri zɔr sɪz, ˈyu mən /

noun

1. (used with a plural verb) people, especially the personnel employed by a given company, institution, or the like.

2. (used with a singular verb) human resources department.

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human resources British  

plural noun

1. 1. the workforce of an organization

   2. ( as modifier )

      human-resources management

      human-resources officer

2. 1. the office or department in an organization that interviews, appoints, or keeps records of employees

   2. ( as modifier )

      a human-resources consultancy

3. the contribution to an employing organization which its workforce could provide in effort, skills, knowledge, etc

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Etymology

Origin of human resources

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

If you worked in an office at any time during the past few years, chances are you suffered through a sermon on authenticity, with chief executives and heads of human resources purring on about bringing your whole self to work.

From The Wall Street Journal

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said the frigate, named Kimon, "is one more link in a continuous effort to modernise the armed forces, both in terms of the assets they possess and in strengthening human resources, so that our country’s deterrent capability is not questioned by anyone."

From Barron's

The company has also been expanding its management-services organization platform, which handles administrative work like billing and human resources.

From Barron's

The beautician disclosed the house call to the club’s human resources team, one of the former employees said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Georgia Tech’s Web of Brilliance ERG provides “low-pressure” ways for introverts to connect, including a summer book club and craftsmaking workshops, said Skye Duckett, chief human resources officer.

From The Wall Street Journal