
How Business Services are navigating the era of constant disruption

Business Services, contributing 23% to the EU’s output, face ongoing disruption from crises such as the pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and growing political and trade tensions, leaving 65% of executives concerned about geopolitical risks. As costs rise and supply chains strain, companies are prioritizing resilience and revisiting location strategies. Eight International’s 2025 white paper, “Challenges & Lessons Learnt from a World in Perma-Crisis,” shares insights from 82 organizations across 10 countries, representing over 1 million employees and €125 billion in revenue.
The lasting impact of crisis
Business Services play a vital role in Europe’s economy, contributing around 23% to the EU’s total output. The sector thrives on a skilled talent pool, strong infrastructure, and a rich entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Yet over the past half-decade, the sector has endured a relentless sequence of disruptions. From the COVID-19 outbreak and regional unrest to international conflicts like the war in Ukraine, the operating environment has become increasingly volatile. Political developments such as the dissolution of the French National Assembly and Donald Trump’s return to office, along with rising trade tensions between Europe and the U.S., have only added to the uncertainty. In fact, 65% of surveyed executives report heightened concern due to the current geopolitical climate.
As the aftershocks of earlier crises linger, especially rising costs and supply chain instability, many companies are shifting their focus. They’re building resilience, reassessing geographic exposure, and rethinking location strategies to future-proof their operations.
Against this backdrop, Eight International set out to explore how leading Business Services companies are responding to this “perma-crisis” environment. The 2025 white paper “Challenges & Lessons Learnt from a World in Perma-Crisis,” draws from the insights of 82 organisations across 10 countries, collectively employing more than 1 million people and generating over €125 billion in revenue.
Insights from the front lines of Business Services
Despite early signs of recovery, 47% of companies in the sector still haven’t achieved pre-crisis profitability. However, those that have successfully adapted share a set of common strategies:
- Agile decision-making under uncertainty,
- Investment in workforce engagement and productivity,
- Accelerated deployment of new technologies and digital tools.
These success factors mark a shift toward more proactive, transformation-driven leadership in an environment that no longer tolerates complacency.
Reimagining labor models for a new workforce
People challenges are front and center in today’s Business Services agenda. As companies grapple with an evolving labor market, they’re having to rethink how they recruit, engage, and retain skilled talent. A growing emphasis on work-life balance, purpose, and flexibility, especially among younger generations, has made traditional labor models obsolete.
In response, many firms have implemented productivity initiatives and operational restructuring to optimise workforce planning and reduce dependency on scarce skills, all while trying to preserve talent through smarter incentives and stronger employer branding.
AI Adoption and the future of tech in Business Services
Technology, especially artificial intelligence, is seen as a game-changer across the Business Services landscape. Many executives now recognise AI as essential for remaining competitive, whether by streamlining operations, enhancing customer experience, or modernizing delivery models. But adoption is uneven. While some companies are leading the way, others are struggling with legacy systems and low digital readiness. Those slow to act risk falling behind in a sector where transformation speed is becoming a critical differentiator.
A practical framework for resilience
Our white paper identifies 9 key resilience principles based on actions already taken by the most forward-thinking organisations. These include diversifying revenue streams, refining organisational structures, and adopting smarter pricing strategies.
Download “Challenges & Lessons Learnt from a World in Perma-Crisis” to explore what’s holding companies back from recovery, where the biggest gains in performance are being made and how top players are building long-term value in an uncertain world.