Business services are the activities that help a company maintain and grow its operations, despite not delivering tangible products. Large companies rely on these services for marketing, production, safety, cost and convenience purposes–especially as work demands increase.
The term service is derived from the French word serve, meaning “to be served.” In modern economic theory, there is a continuum between pure services and pure commodity goods–for example, a restaurant may provide food, but also offer other amenities that add to the customer experience.
A common use of the term service is in the context of quality of service: the measured appropriateness of assistance and support given to customers. Many people in the business world see service as an important way to differentiate their business from competitors and boost customer loyalty.
Personal Services
Often offered in workplaces, personal services are a way for organizations to improve employees’ well-being and increase their satisfaction with their jobs. Examples include providing a fitness center, relaxation rooms and transportation for employees to get to and from work.
These services can also be used to encourage inclusivity and promote cross-cultural communication. For example, a translation or interpreter can accompany a seminar or conference to facilitate understanding between foreign speakers and their hosts.
Utility Services
Businesses rely on utilities like electricity and water to keep their buildings and equipment functioning properly. A variety of service professionals provide these services, including maintenance workers who fix problems with appliances and plumbing.
Pest Control Services
Several companies require pest exterminators to handle occasional infestations. Having a service that can handle these issues quickly is essential to maintaining the safety of employees and avoiding code violations.
Real Estate Services
Businesses need to rent or lease space for office and retail purposes, so real estate agents help companies find suitable workspaces. They can also negotiate rental agreements and arrange landscaping services for a company’s property.
These services are available for all sizes of businesses, from small offices to large manufacturing plants. They are especially useful for larger organizations that don’t have the budget to hire a construction crew to renovate their space.
They can also be hired for smaller companies that have limited resources and want to save on the costs of operating a building or warehouse. They also provide cleaning services for a variety of spaces, from hospitals to schools.
Tech Support Services
Having a team of technicians who can quickly and efficiently troubleshoot tech problems is a necessity for most companies, particularly those with many employees who need to access their computers and other devices at all times. Having a dedicated tech team can prevent many issues from occurring in the first place, allowing workers to remain productive.
The business service industry is one of the largest sectors in the global economy, and job growth is expected to be high through 2030. According to Statista, the number of jobs in this sector is projected to increase 2.1% annually through 2020.