OpenAI's ChatGPT Work aims to automate complex, hours-long enterprise tasks with GPT-5.6

OpenAI has launched ChatGPT Work, an AI agent designed to autonomously execute complex, hours-long tasks across connected applications, files, and web tools. Powered by GPT-5.6 and Codex, the agent marks a shift from prompt-based responses to persistent, goal-driven automation for enterprise users.

What happened

ChatGPT Work is a new mode within ChatGPT that performs actions autonomously across user's connected apps, files, web tools, desktops, and recurring workflows. It can create spreadsheets, slide presentations, documents, dashboards, web applications, and more from a single prompt. The agent is powered by GPT-5.6, OpenAI's latest frontier model, which incorporates the full Codex experience for multistep execution with a coding element.

GPT-5.6 comes in three variants: Sol (advanced reasoning and coding), Terra (enterprise workloads), and Luna (high-volume, low-cost applications). OpenAI CEO Sam Altman reported a 54% improvement in token efficiency over GPT-5.5 for agentic coding tasks, which could reduce costs for automated software development.

ChatGPT Work is initially available to Pro, Enterprise, and Edu subscribers, with Pro and Business tier access coming in the following days. The updated ChatGPT desktop app (Windows and Mac) now integrates Chat, Codex, and Work into a single service available across all plans, including free users.

Why AI builders should care

For teams building AI products and workflows, ChatGPT Work signals a shift toward persistent, agent-driven automation with enterprise-grade governance. OpenAI provides enterprise controls to manage browser use, plugins, connected tools, and sensitive actions, including preauthorization and usage limits. This makes the agent suitable for regulated environments.

Real-world beta usage at Nvidia, Zapier, RingCentral, and Virgin Atlantic demonstrates enterprise appetite for agent-based automation. Use cases included reviewing thousands of sales leads, checking product launch readiness across Jira and go-to-market plans, comparing passenger experiences, and automating event preparation for Nvidia GTC 2026.

Practical implications

ChatGPT Work decomposes larger goals into smaller tasks and works on them over extended timeframes, asking for human approval before sensitive actions. It supports plugins for Slack, Microsoft Teams, Gmail, Google Drive, Salesforce, SharePoint, calendars, project tracking, and more. Users invoke specific apps by typing "@" and the plugin name.

OpenAI also debuted Sites (public beta for Plus, Pro, Business, Enterprise), which transforms work materials into shareable, interactive websites or web apps such as internal portals, dashboards, and prototypes. ChatGPT can test these sites and update them automatically when source information changes.

The ChatGPT app now includes an integrated browser with Computer Use functionality for internet context and navigation across Google Workspace and Microsoft 365. The Chrome extension is enhanced to position ChatGPT in the sidebar.

Caveats

Claims about long-running task autonomy come from company communications and demonstrations. Real-world reliability, safety approvals, and cost will vary by deployment and governance. The 54% token efficiency improvement and pricing implications are reported figures that may depend on usage patterns and enterprise arrangements. GPT-5.6 underwent a collaborative safety review with U.S. government officials before public release, which may affect future update cadence.

FAQs

What is ChatGPT Work and what can it do for my business?

ChatGPT Work is an AI agent within ChatGPT that can perform actions autonomously across connected apps, files, and web tools to turn goals into finished work. It can create documents, spreadsheets, presentations, dashboards, and web applications from a single prompt, and can stay with a project for hours if needed. OpenAI describes it as a tool for knowledge workers, enterprises, students, developers, and executives.

Which OpenAI models power ChatGPT Work?

ChatGPT Work is powered by GPT-5.6, OpenAI's latest frontier model, and incorporates the full Codex experience for multistep execution with a coding element. GPT-5.6 comes in three variants: Sol (advanced reasoning and coding), Terra (enterprise workloads), and Luna (high-volume, low-cost applications). SiliconANGLE reports a 54% token-efficiency improvement over GPT-5.5 for agentic coding tasks.

How does ChatGPT Work integrate with existing apps, files, and workflows?

The agent connects via plugins for tools such as Slack, Microsoft Teams, Gmail, Google Drive, Salesforce, SharePoint, calendars, and project tracking. Users invoke specific apps by typing "@" and the plugin name. It also includes an integrated browser with Computer Use functionality for internet context and navigation across Google Workspace and Microsoft 365. OpenAI states it can decompose larger goals into smaller tasks and work on them over extended timeframes.

What security and enterprise controls exist for using ChatGPT Work?

OpenAI provides enterprise controls to manage ChatGPT Work's access to browser use, plugins, connected tools, and more. Organizations can preauthorize sensitive actions and implement usage limits. SiliconANGLE notes that the agent asks for human approval before carrying out sensitive actions.