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Advice / Succeeding at Work / Getting Ahead

AI Tools to Use for Work: Your Guide to Getting Ahead

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The conversation around AI and work has been a rollercoaster. At first, many feared it would replace jobs entirely, sparking anxiety across industries. But as AI for work has become more integrated into our daily workflows, it’s clear that it’s not here to take over your role—it’s here to act as your personal assistant.

Instead of worrying about AI replacing you, think of it as an opportunity. AI tools to use for work can automate repetitive tasks, streamline your workload, and free up time for bigger projects that demand creativity and critical thinking. (Just make sure to check with your company or supervisor before downloading any tools or apps to ensure they align with company policies and security protocols.)

Here’s a roundup of the best AI tools for work, designed for professionals across various industries. It’s time to expand your AI repertoire beyond ChatGPT and Google Gemini.

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How to use AI at work: Productivity

Our to-do lists can sometimes feel endless. Productivity AI tools are here to lighten the load by organizing your day, prioritizing tasks, and even making adjustments when unexpected changes arise. These AI tools to use for work help you stay on top of everything, so you can focus on what truly matters.

1. Motion (Paid: Starts at $19/month)

Motion acts like your personal assistant, building a dynamic schedule for your day and rearranging tasks when plans change. Perfect for multitaskers who need to make the most of every minute.

2. Notion AI (Paid: $10/month for AI features)

Already love Notion? Their AI feature makes brainstorming, summarizing, and organizing your notes a breeze. It’s like having a second brain, but one that’s great at formatting!

3. Otter.ai (Free for basic plan; Paid plans start at $8.33/month)

Hate scribbling down meeting notes? Otter.ai transcribes meetings in real-time, so you can focus on the conversation without worrying about missing important details.

How to use AI at work: Communication

Clear communication is the backbone of any successful workplace. These are some of the best AI tools for work, helping you create polished emails, write convincing copy, and even translate your thoughts into different languages—all without breaking a sweat.

4. Grammarly (Free basic version; Premium starts at $12/month)

Say goodbye to typos and awkward phrasing. Grammarly catches your mistakes and also helps you refine your tone for professional, friendly, or persuasive writing.

5. Jasper AI (Paid: Starts at $49/month)

Struggling with writer’s block? Jasper AI can generate emails, blog posts, or social media captions that sound natural and on-brand. It’s a lifesaver for content creators.

6. DeepL Translator (Free for basic translation; Pro starts at $8.74/month)

Working with international clients? DeepL Translator delivers highly accurate translations, ensuring your message doesn’t get lost in language barriers.

How to use AI at work: Organization

Ever feel like your calendar and task list are conspiring against you? These AI tools to use for work will bring order to the chaos by optimizing your schedule, automating workflows, and helping you stay on track without constant micromanagement.

7. Trello AI Assistant (Paid: Included in Premium at $5/month)

Trello’s AI Assistant takes your task boards to the next level by suggesting workflows, automating repetitive tasks, and giving you data-driven insights into your team’s progress.

8. ClickUp AI (Paid: $5/month per user)

ClickUp AI combines project management with a touch of magic. It generates tasks to create reports, perfect for teams managing complex workflows.

9. Clockwise (Free for basic features; Pro starts at $6.75/month)

Does scheduling make you want to scream? Clockwise intelligently organizes your calendar, ensuring you have time for focused work—and yes, even lunch breaks.

How to use AI at work: Design

Not everyone is a professional designer or illustrator, but these tools make it feel like you are. Check out these AI tools to turn your creative ideas into reality with just a few clicks.

10. Canva AI (Free with limited features; Pro starts at $12.99/month)

Canva AI simplifies design for creating social media posts and presentations. Its AI features suggest layouts, fonts, and even entire templates based on your needs.

11. DALL-E 3 (Free with credits for generating AI images)

Need a custom image? DALL-E 3 generates visuals based on your descriptions, making it perfect for adding a creative touch to your projects.

How to use AI at work: Data and analysis

Numbers, charts, and endless rows of data don’t have to overwhelm you. These AI tools simplify data organization and analysis, helping you make smarter, quicker decisions backed by insights. Whether it’s managing complex datasets or automating reporting, these tools have got you covered.

12. Tableau (Paid starts at $70/month per user)

Tableau is a powerhouse for data visualization, turning raw data into stunning, interactive dashboards. It’s perfect for anyone needing to present complex information in an accessible, visual way.

Let AI work for you!

The focus is to optimize, not replace. These AI tools to use for work are here to take care of the repetitive tasks and time-consuming details, leaving you with more energy and focus for your big ideas. The key? Let AI be your assistant, not your replacement.