OpenAI is pushing ChatGPT beyond a question-and-answer tool and deeper into workplace automation with ChatGPT Work. The new AI agent can break down complex assignments, work autonomously over extended periods, and generate spreadsheets, presentations, documents, and web applications. The company also introduced GPT-5.6, a new model family that delivers stronger multi-step reasoning, better adherence to templates, and improved use of reference materials compared to previous versions.

The launch comes as AI companies race to win enterprise customers by embedding AI agents into everyday business workflows. Rival Anthropic has made a similar push with Claude Cowork, designed to help users plan and execute complex, multi-step tasks. OpenAI reported that adoption of its workplace tools has already expanded beyond software developers. Its Codex AI coding agent, now integrated into ChatGPT Work, has surpassed 5 million weekly users, with more than 1 million utilizing it for tasks outside traditional programming.

Finance teams have adopted the tools to accelerate month-end reporting and forecasting by pulling source data, reconciling figures, building presentations, and reviewing outputs. This automation allows employees to spend more time analyzing results and advising leadership rather than preparing reports. The deployment extends across the company's ChatGPT interface, Codex platform, and API services.

Availability and Security

The new models and workplace features are accessible through the ChatGPT, Codex, and API platforms. ChatGPT Work includes enterprise controls built on the existing ChatGPT Enterprise infrastructure. These controls feature permissions for tool access, allowed actions, and monitoring through a Compliance API. An "Auto-review" security feature blocked all tested attempts by external red teams to extract protected information during evaluations.

Strategic Developments

OpenAI is folding the Codex app into the updated ChatGPT desktop experience while renaming the previous desktop client ChatGPT Classic. The company plans to transition users away from its standalone Atlas browser and expand ChatGPT features through a Chrome sidebar extension. The rollout comes as enterprises increasingly experiment with AI agents that can operate across software systems rather than simply generate text.

Fidji Simo stepped down from her full-time role as OpenAI's president of applications on Thursday, transitioning to a part-time advisory position to prioritize her recovery from a chronic illness. Simo, who took medical leave three months ago, stated that her recovery has taken longer than anticipated. In a post on X, she explained that she is only making this decision now because she "failed to make it many times before." The move marks a significant shift in leadership at the artificial intelligence company, where Simo reported directly to CEO Sam Altman.

Simo disclosed that she experienced a "severe exacerbation" of a chronic illness she has lived with for seven years. She reflected on her history of prioritizing work over health, recalling a time when she declined a full year of medical leave offered by Meta. During that period, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg had advised her to "play the long game." Simo's recent medical leave in April prompted a leadership shuffle at OpenAI, with Greg Brockman overseeing product and Brad Lightcap transitioning to special projects.

Leadership Transition and Support

Simo's departure from the full-time role follows a series of senior executive exits at OpenAI this year. Despite the reduction in her responsibilities, Simo remains committed to the company's mission. She thanked Altman, President Brockman, and the board for their support during her medical leave. Simo also indicated that she will continue to work toward disease cures through her involvement with OpenAI, Chronicle BioAI, and CODA Research.

Rishi N. Reddy, a colleague and co-founder, publicly responded to Simo's announcement, praising her decision to prioritize her health. Reddy described Simo as "an n of 1" and emphasized that knowing when to step back can be more difficult than continuing to push forward. He expressed confidence that she would emerge stronger and continue to make an impact.

Background at OpenAI

OpenAI appointed Simo to the newly created role of chief of applications in May 2025. At the time of her appointment, she was the CEO of Instacart. Her transition to a part-time advisor role concludes her tenure as a key executive driving OpenAI's application strategy. The company has yet to announce a permanent replacement for her full-time responsibilities.