Business services are activities that benefit a company yet do not provide a tangible product. They can include information technology, which supports numerous other business services like shipping, procurement and finance. It may also include janitorial services, which maintain a clean and organized workspace. Some of these services are essential for a company’s productivity and others are just nice to have, but they all help increase the overall employee experience.
A successful service business requires a strong foundation in the form of four critical elements. The first is a clear understanding of what makes a service different from a product. It is also important to understand the unique customer needs of a service. This will allow for an appropriate service design and the ability to measure customer satisfaction.
Another key element is a flexible organization. It is important to have the right people in place to manage the service and to make sure that the customer is receiving value for their money. This includes the creation of a service level agreement (SLA) that sets expectations for both parties. This is a document that should detail the work to be performed and the expectations for the delivery of that work.
The fourth and final element is the ability to adapt to changing market conditions. This is crucial because in times of economic hardship, customers often cut back on services. For example, a customer who has been hiring a dog walker might decide to do the chore herself in order to save on pet care costs. It is important for a service business to know how to respond quickly to this change in consumer behavior, as it can greatly affect the success of a company.
Depending on the type of business, there are many different types of services that companies can utilize to improve their operations. Some of these are as simple as a pest exterminator, who can keep the workplace free of insects and rodents. Other services are more involved, such as a construction team that can build an additional office space or renovate existing facilities.
The largest service providers are in the professional and business services sector, which consists of the following subsectors:
This sector includes activities such as accounting, legal, engineering, human resources and advertising. It is the most competitive of all service sectors and represents a significant share of total business expenditures. The sector also has a high level of untapped potential that can be stimulated through EU Internal Market legislation and policy actions. For instance, it is possible for business services to cross borders more easily to reach new clients, and the Single Market can also help reduce administrative barriers that may impede growth in this area. This will create more opportunities for European businesses to compete in the global marketplace. These benefits will ultimately translate into greater employment and economic growth.