In addition to natural resources, businesses depend on human resources. Human resources are the workers who produce goods and services. Without human resources, natural resources could not be made into goods.

Furniture businesses need many human resources. In 2005, more than 58,000 people in North Carolina worked for businesses that made furniture. Some workers raise and cut down trees. Others use the wood to make furniture. Another group of workers sells the furniture in stores. Other workers deliver the furniture to customers.