AI at Work: How to Start Today, Safely and Smartly
AI at work can save you a lot of time. Here is how to start without risk, with five tasks almost everyone has and three rules for safe use.
You hear everywhere that AI saves time, but where do you actually start? With AI at work, you can work smarter today, without any technical knowledge. In this article you will read what is allowed, which five tasks make the easiest start, and how to avoid mistakes and data leaks.
What are you allowed to do with AI at work?
That depends on your employer’s rules. So always check first which AI tools you may use and for which tasks.
Many organisations now have agreements about AI. Sometimes you may only use a tool your employer has approved, such as a business version of Copilot or ChatGPT. Business versions often have better terms on what happens to your data than free versions. Check with your manager or the IT department before you begin.
This is not unnecessary caution. The Dutch Data Protection Authority (Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens) has already received several reports of data leaks caused by employees pasting customer or patient data into an AI chatbot, reports Security.NL. You can find more tips in our article on using AI safely and protecting your privacy.
Which tasks are best to start with?
Start with tasks you do often and where a small mistake has no big consequences. That way you quickly learn how AI works, without risk.
Almost everyone has these five tasks. Pick one and try it this week.
1. Writing and improving emails
Let AI write a first draft, or paste in your own text and ask it to make it shorter, friendlier or clearer. You decide what to keep.
2. Summarising long texts
Summarising a report or a long email thread in five points saves a lot of reading. Only use documents that you are allowed to share with the tool.
3. Meeting minutes and action points
Put your notes from a meeting into an AI chatbot and ask for neat minutes with action points per person. Remove customers’ names first.
4. Excel and formulas
Describe in plain language what you want to calculate. The AI gives you the formula and explains how it works. Always test the formula on a few rows first.
5. Ideas and structure
Do you need to make a presentation or a plan? Ask for an outline with headings. Then you have a start and can fill in the rest yourself.
| Task | What you ask the AI | Watch out |
|---|---|---|
| Make this email shorter and friendlier | Read it through before you send it | |
| Summary | Summarise this in five points | Only documents you may share |
| Minutes | Write minutes with action points | No customer names |
| Excel | Give me a formula that calculates this | Test the result |
| Structure | Make an outline with headings | Fill in the content yourself |
The better your question, the better the answer. So also read what a prompt is and how to write a good one. Using ChatGPT for the first time? Then our guide to ChatGPT for beginners will help.
How do you use AI safely?
Do not share personal data, read everything through, and be open about your use. These three rules prevent most problems.
- No personal data. Remove names, addresses and other details of customers or colleagues before you paste a text into an AI tool, unless your employer has an approved tool.
- Always proofread. AI makes mistakes and can make up things that sound convincing. You are responsible for what you send.
- Be open. Say so when you have used AI for an important piece of work, especially if colleagues or customers care about that.
Does your employer have to teach you how to work with AI?
Yes, organisations that use AI must make sure their people know enough about it. This is set out in the European AI Act.
This duty is called AI literacy and has applied since 2 February 2025, explains Digitale Overheid (the Dutch government’s digital affairs website). The law does not prescribe a set course. What matters is that employees understand what AI can do, where the risks lie and how to use it sensibly. Does your organisation already work with AI but you have never had any guidance? Then that is a good conversation to have with your manager.
Are you a business owner yourself? Then also read our first steps with AI for business owners.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use ChatGPT at work?
That depends on your employer. Some organisations only allow a business, approved tool. Check with your manager or the IT department.
What should I not put into an AI chatbot?
Do not put in personal data, financial figures or internal plans, unless your employer has an approved tool for which that is allowed. Always remove names and addresses first.
Can I trust what AI writes?
No, not blindly. AI makes mistakes and can invent facts. Read everything through and check figures and names before you send anything.
Do I have to say that I used AI?
For important pieces it is sensible to do so, especially if colleagues or customers care about it. Also check whether your organisation has agreements on this.
Ready to start? Pick one of the five tasks today, try the prompt above and then turn to our 25 prompts for your work. That way AI will become a regular helper in your working day within a few weeks.
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