OpenAI launches ChatGPT Work for multi-step tasks across apps and files

OpenAI has introduced ChatGPT Work, an agent that can complete multi-step projects using information from connected applications, online services and local files.

Users can give the agent a goal, such as analysing a monthly budget, preparing for a sales meeting or turning research into a campaign brief. ChatGPT Work divides the assignment into smaller tasks, gathers the required information and produces materials such as spreadsheets, presentations, documents and web apps.

The agent can remain active on longer projects while users review its progress, answer questions and approve important actions. OpenAI is positioning the service for work that involves several sources, tools and stages, rather than requests that can be handled through a single ChatGPT response.

GPT-5.6 manages longer workflows

ChatGPT Work is powered by GPT-5.6, OpenAI’s latest model. The company says the model can reason through multi-step tasks and create materials that follow supplied templates and reference files.

Codex technology is also built into the service, allowing it to write code, use tools and coordinate actions as a project develops. More than five million people use Codex each week, according to OpenAI, including more than one million who use it for work outside software development.

Users can assign an entire workflow through one request. A project could begin with customer research, move into a campaign brief and continue into the creation of materials for different markets while retaining the information gathered during earlier stages.

Scheduled Tasks extend this approach to recurring work. ChatGPT Work can review new messages, refresh meeting documents, check websites or dashboards for changes and update presentations when new feedback arrives.

Connections provide access to workplace information

ChatGPT Work connects to services including Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Drive, SharePoint, Gmail, calendars, customer relationship management platforms and project trackers. These connections allow the agent to draw from information already held across an organisation. A user can direct ChatGPT towards a specific service, or allow it to select a connected source based on the request.

The updated desktop app adds access to local files and applications. It also includes a built-in browser that can gather information from websites and work with files held in Google Workspace and Microsoft 365.

Computer Use allows ChatGPT Work to click, type and move files across supported applications and browser tools. This enables it to carry out actions that would otherwise require a person to move between several services and transfer information manually.

The desktop app will combine Chat, Work and Codex in one interface. The standalone Codex app will become the updated ChatGPT desktop app, while the existing desktop application will be renamed ChatGPT Classic.

Sites turns project information into web apps

OpenAI is also releasing Sites in public beta. The feature allows users to create interactive websites and web apps inside ChatGPT, including dashboards, project trackers, launch calendars, internal portals and reports.

Sites can be tested within ChatGPT and shared through a public or team URL. ChatGPT Work can also update a site when the information supporting it changes.

The feature gives the agent another output format for projects that need to remain accessible and change over time, rather than ending as a static document or presentation.

Wider access requires tighter controls

Giving an AI agent access to workplace systems creates additional security and governance requirements. ChatGPT Work may handle company documents, messages, customer records and actions across connected applications.

OpenAI says users decide what the agent can access and when approval is required. Enterprise and Edu administrators can manage access to connected tools, browser use and network resources, while restricting sensitive actions.

An auto-review system checks important actions involving connected tools and application programming interfaces before they are completed. The Compliance API also gives organisations visibility into ChatGPT Work conversations and activity.

The effectiveness of these controls will depend on how organisations configure permissions and determine which tasks should remain subject to human approval. Wider access can reduce repetitive work, but it also increases the consequences of incorrect instructions, excessive permissions or actions based on incomplete information.

ChatGPT Work begins phased rollout

ChatGPT Work is rolling out on web and mobile to Pro, Enterprise and Edu users. Plus and Business plans are due to receive access over the following few days.

The updated ChatGPT desktop app is available globally for Windows and Mac. Chat, Work and Codex are included across every desktop plan, including Free, although access to individual models and usage limits varies by subscription.