Features Hopes to Educate and Empower Independent Talent

Upwork, listed on Nasdaq as UPWK, the global work marketplace, has unveiled a set of cutting-edge AI applications and educational content designed to empower independent professionals on its platform. These innovations are aimed at harnessing the potential of generative AI to boost productivity and enhance work quality. In addition, Upwork has initiated a waitlist for Upwork Chat Pro, an AI application powered by GPT-4 that is in beta, offering professionals the means to expedite and optimize their work processes.

This release involves strategic partnerships with industry-leading providers of generative AI tools, including Adobe, Amazon, ClickUp, and Miro. Furthermore, Upwork has collaborated with educational resources from Coursera, Jasper, and Udemy, ensuring that talent on Upwork have access to top-tier generative AI apps, tools, and educational materials, enabling them to streamline operations, automate tasks, and enhance their business efficiency. These new offerings are available in a dedicated section of the AI Services hub, creating a central destination for talent to access generative AI tools and resources, along with job opportunities stemming from the growing demand for AI-related projects on Upwork.

Upwork Is Making Huge Investments into AI and Personalization

Upwork continues to invest in generative AI, exemplified by the launch of Upwork Chat Pro. This generative AI application, integrated into Upwork and powered by GPT-4 from OpenAI, enhances work completion and efficiency for independent professionals. It leverages insights from Upwork’s data to provide relevant responses and context-rich recommendations. Over the coming months, Upwork will gradually roll out Upwork Chat Pro to select independent professionals, and interested users can join the waitlist for access.

Dave Bottoms, General Manager and VP of Product for the Upwork Marketplace, highlighted the enthusiasm among independent professionals to utilize generative AI tools for their work. These new tools and resources aim to assist even the most skilled professionals in leveraging AI to streamline their workflows, automate tasks, and complete projects more efficiently.

Upwork’s commitment to AI innovation is underscored by the findings of the Upwork Research Institute, which revealed that over three-quarters (76%) of freelancers are confident in their ability to learn new AI tools. This indicates the potential for professionals to enhance their skills and expertise in generative AI, ultimately leading to more projects, higher earnings, and better results for clients.

The new AI-powered apps and offers on Upwork include partnerships with renowned providers:

1. Adobe Tools for Creativity: Discounts on Creative Cloud All Apps and Photoshop subscriptions, incorporating innovations like Generative Fill powered by Adobe Firefly. Subscribers can also enjoy discounts on Lightroom subscriptions.
2. Amazon for Software Development: Access to Amazon CodeWhisperer, an AI-based coding companion.
3. Miro for Virtual Collaboration: A free trial of Miro’s Business Plan, which includes access to Miro Assist—an AI partner that aids in building collaborative projects.
4. ClickUp for Productivity: Discounts on the ClickUp Unlimited plan and access to ClickUp AI, a creativity and productivity tool tailored for roles such as marketing, engineering, and project management.

In addition, Upwork has launched an AI Education Library on Upwork Academy, providing talent with the knowledge and skills required to excel in AI-related topics. The library includes:

• Education Marketplace: AI skills-based courses from reputable providers like Coursera, Jasper, and Udemy.
• Generative AI Learning Path: A self-paced course covering the fundamentals of generative AI and its practical applications.
• Mini Courses: Bite-sized content on specialized AI topics, such as building AI chatbots, created by Top-Rated freelancers on Upwork.

Independent professionals on Upwork are keen to harness generative AI in their workflows, and these new resources aim to equip them with the skills and tools to take on a more significant number of projects, increase their earning potential, and provide outstanding results for their clients.

Chisom Okwulehie, a senior architectural designer on Upwork, emphasized the importance of leveraging generative AI to enhance productivity and workflow efficiency in today’s dynamic work landscape. Upwork’s latest offerings provide professionals with the tools and resources they need to streamline their operations and work more swiftly and efficiently.

For a comprehensive overview of the available apps, offerings, and learning resources, visit Upwork’s AI Talent Page.

About Upwork

Upwork is the world’s leading work marketplace, connecting businesses with independent talent from around the world. Their powerful, trust-driven platform serves a wide range of clients, from startups to Fortune 100 companies. In 2022, the Upwork talent community collectively earned over $3.8 billion across more than 10,000 skills, spanning categories such as website & app development, creative & design, customer support, finance & accounting, consulting, and operations. For more information, visit upwork.com and follow Upwork on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.