Business services refer to activities that benefit a company without producing a physical product. Companies rely on these service providers for marketing, production, safety and cost-saving reasons. Some common examples of business services include warehousing, insurance and communication.

An important aspect of business services is information technology, which includes computer support, network operations and software. IT professionals work with employees to ensure that a company’s technology functions properly and efficiently, allowing workers to remain productive. The IT department may also perform an annual audit to identify areas for improvement and provide a roadmap for future improvements.

Other common business services include human resources, accounting, legal and marketing. The services provided by these departments help a company maintain its image, comply with regulations and recruit new employees. Professionals in these fields also work with companies to train management and professional staff members.

Some service providers have a specific niche market. For example, some pet care services specialize in grooming or walking dogs, while others offer boarding and daycare. Other businesses offer home or office cleaning services. These businesses serve a particular clientele and typically focus on meeting the needs of those clients to generate repeat business and referrals.

The broader scope of business services extends to other industries, as well. A company that sells medical supplies, for example, could partner with a janitorial service to clean the company’s facilities regularly and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations. Business-to-business shipping firms often rely on value-added services, such as warehousing and distribution, to speed up the process of getting goods from manufacturers to customers.

Companies also hire business service providers to assist with employee benefits. These services may include providing a day care center on site to allow workers to balance family obligations with their careers and save time, money or gas. Other perks that businesses provide for their employees may include gym memberships, free or discounted meals and health insurance.

A career in a service business can be rewarding, but it can also be stressful and fast-paced, especially when you’re working in an environment with high turnover and tight deadlines. If you don’t work well under pressure, this type of career may not be for you.

The industry includes many subsectors, including accounting, human resources, IT and law. Each of these subsectors has its own specializations and requirements. Some of these subsectors have an industry association that sets standards and provides support to its member companies. Some of these organizations also conduct research and publish data about the industry. The following tables present statistics on employment and unemployment in the professional and business services supersector. The tables also contain estimates of job gains and losses and projected occupational employment change. This information comes from employer or establishment surveys and a survey of households. In addition, a separate table presents the number of workplace fatalities and the rates of work-related injuries and illnesses per 100 full-time workers. These data come from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.