AI is showing up everywhere at work, from the tools we use every day to the way we write, research, communicate, and solve problems.Maybe you've experimented with ChatGPT or noticed AI features popping up in software you already use. Many professionals are interested in AI but aren't quite sure where to start or which tools …
AI is showing up everywhere at work, from the tools we use every day to the way we write, research, communicate, and solve problems.
Maybe you’ve experimented with ChatGPT or noticed AI features popping up in software you already use. Many professionals are interested in AI but aren’t quite sure where to start or which tools are actually worth learning.
Here are some of the AI tools worth knowing in 2026 and a preview of several we’ll be exploring during BOOST.
5 of Our Top AI Tools
With so many AI tools available today, it can be hard to know where to start. These are a few of the tools we see professionals using most often. Whether you’re looking to save time, organize information, communicate more clearly, or simply get more comfortable using AI, these tools are a great place to begin.
ChatGPT
One of the most widely used AI tools today, ChatGPT helps professionals brainstorm ideas, draft emails, summarize information, plan projects, and work through problems. Many people start by using it for simple tasks, then gradually discover ways it can support larger projects and everyday work.
Microsoft Copilot
ntegrated directly into Microsoft 365 applications like Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams, Copilot helps users work more efficiently without leaving the tools they already use every day.
Google Gemini
Google’s AI assistant is built into many Workspace applications and can help users create content, analyze information, conduct research, and summarize documents.
Claude
Claude is known for its ability to work with long documents, analyze information, and help users think through complex projects and decisions.
Perplexity
Unlike traditional search engines, Perplexity combines AI-generated answers with source citations, making it a popular choice for research and information gathering.
You don’t need to learn every AI tool on the market to benefit from AI. Most people see the biggest impact by finding one or two tools that fit their work and using them consistently.
The goal isn’t to keep up with every new platform that gets released. It’s to find tools that help you work more efficiently, solve problems, and feel more confident using AI in your day-to-day work.
Beyond standalone tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude, AI is also being built into many of the tasks professionals already do every day. From meetings and note-taking to writing, research, and communication, AI is helping people spend less time on administrative work and more time focused on what matters most.
AI Is Making Meetings More Productive
Most people have experienced the frustration of leaving a meeting only to realize they missed a key detail, forgot an action item, or can’t remember who agreed to what.
That’s why AI-powered meeting tools have become so popular. Platforms like Otter.ai, Fireflies.ai, and the AI features built into Zoom and Microsoft Teams can automatically capture conversations and generate summaries, allowing participants to stay focused on the discussion instead of taking notes.
Many of these tools can:
- Record discussions
- Create meeting summaries
- Identify action items
- Capture key decisions
- Generate follow-up notes
While they’re not a replacement for good communication, they can help teams stay organized, reduce administrative work, and make it easier to follow through on what was discussed.
AI Tools for Writing and Communication
Whether you’re drafting an email, preparing a presentation, writing a report, or organizing your thoughts for a project, AI can help you get started faster.
Tools like Grammarly, Canva Magic Studio, Jasper, and ChatGPT are helping professionals improve clarity, organize ideas, and spend less time staring at a blank page.
The goal isn’t to have AI write everything for you. The most effective users treat it like a thought partner, using it to brainstorm, refine ideas, and strengthen their communication while still relying on their own experience, judgment, and voice.
AI Research and Information Tools
One of AI’s greatest strengths is helping people process large amounts of information quickly by using AI to:
- Summarize articles
- Analyze reports
- Compare options
- Identify trends
- Organize research
- Find key insights
Instead of spending hours sorting through information, tools like Perplexity, Gemini, Claude, and ChatGPT are helping people spend less time searching for information and more time applying it.
However, AI-generated information should always be reviewed for accuracy and context.
Working With AI Tools
The challenge isn’t finding AI tools anymore. It’s knowing how to use them well.
The people seeing the biggest benefits from AI aren’t trying every new platform that gets released. They’ve simply learned how to ask better questions, evaluate the results, and apply AI in ways that make their work easier and more effective.
The tools will change over time. The ability to work confidently with AI is what lasts. That’s exactly what we’ll focus on at BOOST 2026.
Learn How to Use AI at Work at BOOST
This hands-on employee development masterclass is designed for professionals who want to move beyond the hype and start using AI in practical, meaningful ways. Led by Bucky Dodd, Ph.D., participants will explore real-world AI tools, practice prompting techniques, and build a personalized AI playbook they can put to work right away.
Throughout the workshop, you’ll learn how to:
- Write and edit in your own voice
- Turn meetings and documents into clear next steps
- Ask better questions and analyze information
- Plan projects more effectively
- Save time on routine tasks
- Use AI more confidently and responsibly
No technical background is required. Just bring your curiosity and a laptop.
Join Us at BOOST
Whether you’re new to AI or looking to use it more effectively in your role, BOOST will give you practical skills you can start applying immediately.
Reserve your spot today and discover how AI can help you work smarter, communicate more effectively, and create greater value in your organization.
