In the past, we’ve discussed how to leverage practical AI skills to improve efficiency and results. Whether it’s drafting the perfect email using real-time engineering or preparing for your next ChatGPT interview, it seems there are many ways generative artificial intelligence can help you with your current job or even your job search.

But despite these benefits, many employees are still unsure how to reliably use the many GenAI tools integrated into their productivity software. In fact, a recent Forrester report found that confusion about GenAI extends from most consumers to most C-suite executives, who mistakenly believe it can verify facts (82%) and produce consistent output (70%) and solve complex mathematical problems (84%).

Today, we’re clarifying some things by looking at the two GenAI tools you’re most likely to encounter in your work: Microsoft Copilot and Google Gemini. Thanks to integrations with two of the broadest productivity suites, Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace, Copilot and Gemini give you the opportunity to leverage the latest technology to improve workplace performance. Let’s explore it.

✈️Microsoft Copilot explained

Microsoft Copilot is an AI companion integrated into many core Microsoft 365 applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams. While this is the primary place you’re likely to find Copilot at work, you can also find it in a variety of other Microsoft products, such as Bing search, the Edge web browser, and sidebars in Windows operating systems.

To improve your work efficiency, you can use Copilot in Microsoft 365 at work in the following ways:

• Excel: Create data visualizations, identify insights, bold relevant data, and add new fields with integration capabilities.
• prospect: Write, edit and summarize emails.
• team: Transcribe and summarize meetings and develop action plans based on meeting minutes.

✨Google Gemini Overview

Google Gemini is Google’s artificial intelligence companion that Google has integrated into a range of its products and services, including Google Workspace, cloud, search and mobile applications. Like Microsoft Copilot, you may find Gemini most helpful in the workplace because it integrates with productivity apps like Gmail, Google Sheets, and Google Slides.

To improve your performance, here are some ways you can use Google Gemini at work:

• document: Quickly draft content such as promotions, blog posts, or outlines.
• sheet: Generate slideshows and graphics with simple prompts.
• Research: Review, analyze, and synthesize information to uncover insights and opportunities.

Overall, Copilot and Gemini provide similar functionality, but with different platforms. That said, while both are known for their security, it’s important to check your organization’s data policy before providing any sensitive information!

🖥️ Build your skills with Copilot and Gemini

Learn more about how to use Microsoft Copilot and Google Gemini to improve your productivity with these courses and specializations on Coursera:

An overview of Copilot or Gemini, Consider signing up for Microsoft’s Introduction to Microsoft Copilot or Google Cloud’s Introduction to Google Workspace Gemini courses.

To deepen your understanding of Gemini, Try Google Cloud’s Gemini for Google Workspace Specialization. Learn how to use Gemini to compose emails in Gmail, create images for Google Slides, create plans in Google Spreadsheets, and more.

If you want to expand your knowledge of Copilot, Get to know Microsoft’s Microsoft Copilot: your everyday AI companion specializing in. Participate in real-life scenarios and build a portfolio that demonstrates Copilot’s ability to increase productivity in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams. You may also want to learn about Microsoft’s role-based Copilot specializations for software development, data science, sales, or marketing.