Teams can now deploy autonomous AI agents that handle complex workflows across multiple business tools, as OpenAI launches workspace agents in ChatGPT. The Codex-powered feature transforms the chatbot into a team automation platform capable of running tasks independently, even when users are offline.
Workspace agents arrive today as a research preview for ChatGPT Business, Enterprise, Edu, and Teachers plans. They replace custom GPTs introduced last year, which never became a core feature within ChatGPT. The new agents represent what OpenAI calls "an evolution of GPTs," shifting from individual prompt responses to multi-step team workflows.
Powered by Codex technology running in the cloud, workspace agents can prepare reports, write code, respond to messages, and maintain operation without constant supervision. Each agent operates within its own workspace with access to files, code repositories, connected applications, and memory that persists across sessions.
Teams create shared agents that handle complex tasks and long-running workflows while operating within organizational permissions and controls. Agents can be scheduled to run automatically or integrated into Slack where they monitor channels and pick up requests independently.
Setting up a workspace agent takes minutes according to OpenAI documentation. Users describe recurring workflows or upload files, and ChatGPT defines steps, connects tools, adds necessary skills, and tests the result.
Templates for finance, sales, and marketing departments are available.
OpenAI shared internal examples already in production. A Software Reviewer checks employee software requests against approved tools and policies while creating IT tickets when needed. A Product Feedback Router monitors Slack channels and support forums to turn feedback into prioritized tickets with weekly summaries.
The company's sales team uses an agent that pulls details from call notes and account research to qualify new leads before dropping follow-up email drafts into representatives' inboxes. Accounting built another that handles parts of monthly financial closes including journal entries and balance sheet reconciliations.
Enterprise administrators gain role-based controls to determine which user groups can create and share agents along with which tools they can access. Sensitive actions like sending emails or creating calendar entries can require manual approval before execution.
Built-in safeguards aim to block prompt injection attacks while allowing monitoring through OpenAI's Compliance API where problematic agents can be paused immediately. Analytics track how often shared agents get used across organizations.
The launch continues what 9to5Mac describes as "OpenAI launch week," following Tuesday's release of ChatGPT Images 2.0 and Monday's Chronicle in Codex announcement alongside last Thursday's major Codex update for macOS.
Existing custom GPTs will remain available temporarily with conversion tools planned for later release. Workspace agents operate free of charge until May 6 when credit-based billing begins for Business and Enterprise customers.
