This article provides an overview of issues an organization should consider when creating a new human resource (HR) department. This article addresses starting an HR department from scratch in both new/expansion companies and existing organizations. It is intended for use by small-business owners, HR consultants, HR practitioners or other professionals facing the task of creating an HR department from the ground up. This article may also be helpful to HR practitioners who come into a new organization as the sole HR professional. The article does not address global issues, labor relations or industry-specific concerns.