OpenAI launches workspace agents for ChatGPT

OpenAI launched workspace agents for ChatGPT as a research preview for paid Business, Enterprise, Edu and Teacher subscriptions. The agents run in the cloud, are powered by Codex, and are available inside ChatGPT and Slack. OpenAI said the preview is free until May 6, when pricing will move to a credit-based model.

Workspace agents are shared, team-focused bots that perform multi-step workflows without constant human prompts. They can access files, code, connected apps and stored memory, continue tasks across sessions, operate on schedules, and trigger when requests arrive. OpenAI wrote, “Powered by Codex, they can take on many of the tasks people already do at work — from preparing reports, to writing code, to responding to messages.”

Teams build agents from the ChatGPT sidebar by describing a workflow or uploading a file. ChatGPT guides users through defining steps, connecting tools and testing the agent. OpenAI offers templates for finance, sales and marketing that include built-in skills and suggested integrations so teams can customize agents for specific work.

OpenAI and customers have created agents for common tasks. Examples include a software reviewer that reads requests, checks them against policies and files IT tickets; a product feedback router that monitors Slack, support channels and public forums and compiles summaries; a report generator that pulls data weekly, creates charts and drafts reports; and a lead outreach agent that researches inbound leads, drafts follow-ups and updates a CRM.

Administrators can set controls on what actions agents may take and require human approval for sensitive steps such as editing spreadsheets, sending emails or adding calendar events. Usage is tracked through analytics and a compliance API that provides visibility into how agents are built and used. Administrators can suspend agents if needed.

OpenAI described workspace agents as an evolution of the customizable GPTs it introduced previously and said GPTs will remain available while tools to convert existing GPTs into workspace agents are rolled out. The company said more deployment “surfaces” beyond ChatGPT and Slack are planned.

The launch follows other vendors introducing workplace-focused agent products, including enterprise offerings from other AI providers. OpenAI positioned workspace agents as a tool for automating repeatable work and integrating AI into team workflows.