Generative AI Tools: Testing the best productivity boosters for the modern workplace

If you work with Generative AI tools regularly, you’re probably bombarded with new ones every day claiming to do this or that. Chances are, some of them sound better on the website or social media ad than they perform in real life.

After a while, it can get overwhelming and confusing, especially if all you want is a simple, effective way to increase your productivity at work.

We’ve come up with this guide from the many hours of testing some of the AI tools my colleagues and I use to handle everyday tasks.

Not everyone has the same scope. That’s why I narrowed the tests to these tasks: writing emails, drafting reports, creating presentations, planning daily tasks, and simplifying complex information.

These productivity tools could also be a good way to enhance your career. If your bosses see that you’re consistently able to execute good quality projects in half the time, you may get that promotion you’ve been eyeing.

I’ve personally tested every tool in this list, so let’s get right to it!

ChatGPT

As one of the pioneers of AI tools, ChatGPT has come a long way. The latest version, GPT-4o, can handle all the everyday tasks I threw at it and more.

I could generate relatively realistic images for my presentation and reports without having to use a separate stock image bank that other colleagues were using. Plus, it had the actual icons 🗓️ 📊 📞 I could use right away, so I didn’t have to guess what they were from a text description. This made my reports look original and authentic, and shaved hours off my day.

I also used it to translate the minutes I took at a meeting in Mandarin into English for my daily report, so I didn’t have to use a separate translation app—total lifesaver, especially since I’m not good at the language. ChatGPT also offers translations into Bahasa Melayu and Tamil if you need them.

What I found handy is being able to have a “conversation” with the AI using its Voice Mode. It “reads out” the responses, providing me with the info I need in minutes without sifting through tons of text. It’s perfect for quickly verifying facts right before a meeting.

DeepSeek

A relative newcomer, what DeepSeek lacks in experience, it makes up for in substance.

When I asked the DeepSeek official chat to design visual materials for my presentation, it suggested colour schemes, fonts, charts/infographics, and visual assets.

I found the links to free resources handy since I didn’t have to search for them myself. There are links for images to Unsplash, icons from Font Awesome or FlatIcon, and templates from Canva to help develop a visual assets library.

Without prompting, it even recommended a 1-page handout summarising the key points as a handy reference material for meeting attendees. In roughly half the time, I can create a good-looking presentation that provides instant takeaways for my colleagues.

When I provide my company logo and brand colours, DeepSeek can suggest primary and secondary colours to use, complete with colour codes (e.g. Red: #E31937 or Blue: #002D72)

It even includes a brand compliance checklist, such as no stretching of the logo, no exceeding three colours, among others. At this rate, I won’t need to check in with my brand guardian for brand guidelines anymore.

What truly impressed me is the DeepThink function. As its name suggests, the feature does a thorough analysis of your content, highlighting implementation challenges and implications and providing optimisation solutions. I can’t count how many times it’s helped me dodge major mistakes in emails and reports while keeping me prepared for any questions from the bosses. I see it as a tool that helps me brainstorm with my team, but I’m doing it solo. It’s efficient, saves time and effort, and keeps me from going off tangent.

Gemini

Google’s answer to AI is a must for Google Workspace users. I can attach documents and images from Google Drive directly to the chat—it’s seamless, efficient and saves minutes.

The Gemini 2.5 Flash is a good all-rounder that excels in research. The Deep Research feature provides a plan outlining how it researches the information, applies critical thinking, and analyses the results. I can also refine the plan whenever I notice it is lacking in any area. I’m truly appreciative of its up-to-date information, which is as recent as a few days ago.

If, like me, you sometimes receive dribs and drabs of information to do your tasks, this Deep Research feature takes the headache out of drafting emails and creating reports. I use it to “teach” my colleagues and have become quite the expert in various topics.

Bonus: e2i AI Resume Builder

Want to go beyond productivity and embark on a career change for better work prospects? The e2i AI Resume Builder is a good start.

I’ve tried other AI job search tools. However, this one by employability solutions provider NTUC’s e2i (Employment and Employability Institute) is a game-changer because it offers the AI Interviews feature that allows me to experience a simulated job interview with an AI interviewer. The interactive nature of the AI Interviews mode made me feel like I was in a real-life situation.

I’m also pleased to have the option of tackling common questions, role-specific questions, or technical questions. These choices help me get familiar with the kinds of questions I might face and “trains” me to handle the tougher ones.

After answering each question, I can review the video recording of my performance and retake it until I’m satisfied. This helps me gauge the vibe I’m giving—did I sound confident? Or did I come across as arrogant? I can also use it to spot my mistakes, especially with body language and articulation. At the end of the interview, I get a “performance review” and feedback on areas for improvement, along with suggested answers.

Essentially, the e2i AI Resume Builder tool gives me that extra boost to sharpen my interview skills whenever I need it. After tackling the simulated interviews with my AI companion’s help, I feel confident about nailing the interview and closer to landing a new job.