Information about ChatGPT—as a part of 12 Days of OpenAI, day by day stay streams that includes firm leaders asserting and demonstrating new product options—bought consideration from the HR tech group on LinkedIn this week.
On Day 10 of the sequence, OpenAI introduced two new methods to entry ChatGPT: by way of telephone name and WhatsApp. The transfer bought an enormous response: “WAKE-UP CALL: ChatGPT on WhatsApp isn’t simply one other replace,” wrote Jason Averbook, accomplice at Mercer. “It’s a seismic shift that can basically remodel how work will get finished. And most organizations aren’t prepared.”
Right here’s the way it works: When customers ship a message to ChatGPT’s quantity on WhatsApp (from supported international locations), they will kind a question and obtain a solution. The expertise is much like utilizing ChatGPT on its net or cell apps, however the launch provides one other entry possibility.
This characteristic is especially helpful for individuals who commonly use WhatsApp. Nevertheless, the performance just isn’t considerably totally different for customers already accessing ChatGPT via different platforms. There are limitations, although: a day by day utilization cap and the absence of superior options like ChatGPT search, image-based chatting and personalization choices.
Introducing 1-800-ChatGPT
Whereas WhatsApp solely helps textual content conversations, OpenAI additionally launched 1-800-ChatGPT as a voice-based possibility. Customers can name the quantity from any telephone, the place an AI voice assistant solutions and processes spoken queries. This voice interplay is similar to Alexa or Siri, however responses come from OpenAI’s giant language mannequin (LLM).
Customers can name 1-800-ChatGPT for as much as quarter-hour per 30 days without charge, with extra utilization ruled by OpenAI’s phrases and privateness insurance policies. Word that the information cutoff for responses is October 2023.
What it means for HR
In an interview, Averbook informed HR Government that this enlargement of ChatGPT highlights the rising presence of AI instruments in day by day life. “As leaders, we should shift from managing to anticipating, from limiting to enabling, and from reacting to proactively shaping the NOW,” he mentioned.
He emphasised that organizations succeeding in 2025 might be these embracing AI as a thought accomplice to empower staff responsibly. “The query isn’t whether or not we’re prepared for AI—it’s whether or not we’re prepared to guide in a world the place AI is already right here,” Averbook added.
Neighborhood reactions and issues
LinkedIn customers shared combined reactions to Averbook’s put up. Some praised the innovation, whereas others expressed issues about safety and potential misuse. One person famous that integrating AI instruments into platforms like WhatsApp may result in large behavioral shifts, whereas one other warned concerning the dangers of inconsistent recommendation from AI, which may undermine decision-making and reinforce the necessity for authoritative management.
Issues about job displacement and privateness additionally cropped up within the LinkedIn feedback. One person questioned whether or not ChatGPT may entry all WhatsApp messages (the reply is sure—OpenAI says they’re reviewed for security), reflecting broader unease about information safety regardless of WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption.
It’s clear that is solely the start—there’s far more to come back, doubtless properly past Day 12.
