OpenAI has officially unveiled Workspace Agents for ChatGPT, a new category of autonomous assistants designed specifically for organizational workflows. Unlike standard GPTs that respond to individual prompts, these agents function as persistent team collaborators capable of executing long-running tasks. Operating in the cloud, they can work independently even when users are offline, integrating directly into platforms like Slack and the ChatGPT interface to streamline productivity.

Powered by the Codex engine, Workspace Agents are built to gather context from internal systems and follow established organizational processes. They bridge the gap between being a tool and a team member by managing tasks across different software environments. For example, OpenAI’s internal sales department already utilizes these agents to qualify leads and draft follow-up emails.

Creating an agent is designed to be intuitive; users can describe a desired workflow or upload a file, and ChatGPT will outline the necessary steps and connect the relevant tools. To accelerate adoption, OpenAI provides pre-configured templates for finance, marketing, and sales. These include specialized agents for software reviews, monitoring Slack feedback, and generating automated weekly metric reports.

These agents operate within a dedicated workspace, granting them the ability to manipulate files, execute code, and maintain persistent memory. They can be scheduled for specific times or programmed to act proactively within communication channels. As they interact with the team, they refine their accuracy through real-time corrections and shared memory.

To ensure corporate safety, OpenAI has implemented robust administrative controls. Organizations can manage permissions for sensitive actions, such as editing financial spreadsheets or sending external emails. Furthermore, a Compliance API provides full visibility into agent activities, ensuring data usage aligns with strict governance standards.

Workspace Agents are currently in a research preview for ChatGPT Business, Enterprise, Edu, and Teachers plans. The feature will remain free for testing until May 6, 2026, after which OpenAI plans to transition to a credit-based pricing model. Existing GPTs will remain available, with future updates expected to allow for easy conversion into the agent format.