2023 was a yr of fast development in generative AI. We picked up a brand new vocabulary—prompting, iteration, “usefully mistaken.” We lowered digital debt—that pileup of information, emails, conferences, and notifications that retains us from getting actual work performed. And we received extra productive, inventive, and saved time—each individually and as organizations.

Alongside the way in which, we discovered lots about how Microsoft Copilot will change work. In a survey of our Early Entry Program, 70 p.c of Copilot customers stated it made them extra productive, and 68 p.c stated it improved the standard of their work. Early customers stated Copilot helped them get their work performed faster: 85 p.c stated they had been in a position to get to a great first draft quicker, and 64 p.c stated it helped them spend much less time processing e-mail.

As a pacesetter on the heart of generative AI right here at Microsoft, Colette Stallbaumer has been studying methods to harness the facility of Copilot alongside our prospects and companions. Right here, the Common Supervisor of Microsoft 365 & Way forward for Work shares her favourite Copilot ideas of the previous yr.

1. Let Copilot remedy the post-meeting muddle.

Too typically, nobody outlines subsequent steps on the finish of a gathering, leaving tasks at a standstill. To maintain your work shifting ahead, ask Copilot in Microsoft Groups for a bulleted checklist of motion gadgets, together with who’s answerable for every. You’ll be able to even ask Copilot to draft an e-mail to your colleagues with the checklist to ensure everyone seems to be up to the mark.

2. Get the manager abstract—each time.

It might really feel inconceivable to maintain up with all of the paperwork, shows, and emails it’s essential learn on daily basis. To get the TL;DR, ask Copilot to “clarify this doc/e-mail/deck in three sentences.” In seconds, it’ll look by way of the doc, discover crucial info, and offer you a quick overview.

3. Make amends for conferences in a fraction of the time.

Double booked? We all know the sensation. In case you miss a gathering, ask Copilot in Groups what key factors had been mentioned. Copilot will define the vital takeaways so you possibly can skip watching that recording on 2x velocity. And should you’re operating late, simply ask Copilot, “what did I miss within the assembly to date?” to get a abstract of what’s occurred.

4. Shortly whip your deck into presentation-ready form.

You’ve created a PowerPoint presentation primarily based on an array of paperwork, emails, and spreadsheets. Within the Earlier than Instances, you’d should undergo the deck slide by slide to ensure all the pieces regarded crisp and constant. Now, simply ask Copilot to “make all fonts Segoe UI” or “make all headings dimension 18-point.” Generally it’s the smallest issues that prevent precious time.

5. Summarize lengthy e-mail threads.

While you’re getting back from day without work, that mountain in your inbox can really feel like Everest. As a substitute of studying every e-mail that got here by way of whilst you had been out, use Copilot to shortly summarize an extended e-mail thread by choosing “Abstract by Copilot.” It’s going to scan the thread to determine key factors and remaining selections that will help you stand up to hurry faster. So go forward, take that PTO day—you deserve it.

This text first appeared within the WorkLab e-newsletter. Be the primary to get our updates by subscribing right here .