Google Gemini is a powerful generative AI tool that is now integrated into every Google Workspace Business or Enterprise plan, along with the AI-powered virtual research assistant Notebook LM. Google AI’s capabilities for transforming ways of working are never static and always improving, meaning it provides a real opportunity for businesses of all sizes to boost productivity levels and create a culture of continuous innovation.

But there is one vital thing that every business using tools like Gemini needs to remember: For generative AI to deliver to its full potential, skilled human input is essential. Google Gemini is impressive, but your organisation will only be able to maximise its effectiveness if your teams have the right knowledge, confidence and digital training.

To demonstrate this, we decided to put Gemini to the test.

In the below Q&A, we ask Gemini key questions about generative AI, before asking our own expert Steve Franks, Digital Workplace Practice Lead at Qodea, for their input.

How can I improve productivity with Gemini?

Gemini’s response:

"Productivity is my middle name! Think of me as your tireless assistant, ready to tackle those tedious tasks that drain your time. I can summarize lengthy documents in seconds, draft emails with just a few prompts, and even generate creative content like marketing copy or social media posts. Need to schedule meetings across multiple time zones? I can handle that too. Basically, I'm here to free you up so you can focus on the big picture – the strategic thinking and innovative ideas that truly move your business forward. I can even help you prioritize your to-do list based on urgency and importance. Just tell me what you need, and I'll do my best to make it happen."

Expert commentary:

Gemini has drawn out some really important points here, particularly regarding the automation of mundane tasks. By offering services such as summarising documents, drafting emails and even prioritising to-do lists, Gemini effectively demonstrates its potential to save businesses time. However, it’s essential to remember that while AI can significantly boost efficiency, it must be used in tandem with human analytical thinking.

Gemini, like other large language models (LLMs), can sometimes sound very convincing when it is actually providing incomplete or inaccurate information. The trick is never to simply accept the first response. I would always encourage using a conversational style to query and refine the outputs. Be sure to apply critical reasoning and work with the AI to get to the response you want, rather than accepting what the LLM thinks is the best first answer.

The style and tone of the response should also be noted. The conversational, informal tone may not suit all users, but this can be altered when prompts are created. Prompt writing is a skill every Gemini user should learn. The AI can also be instructed to use the right tone, phrasing and messaging for a more appropriate response. A user would also be able to request that Gemini respond in British English, as US spelling is the default.

How does Gemini integrate with existing workflows?

Gemini’s response:

"I'm designed to fit seamlessly into your existing workflows, like a chameleon adapting to its environment. I integrate directly with Google Workspace apps like Gmail, Docs, Sheets, and Slides. This means you don't have to learn a whole new system. You can access my capabilities right within the tools you already use every day. Think of it as having a super-powered assistant built right into your work environment. Need to generate a report from your spreadsheet data? I can do that. Want to summarize a long email thread? No problem. I'm here to make your current workflow smoother and more efficient, not to disrupt it."

Expert commentary:

Gemini’s response here is, factually, spot on – its seamless integration with Google Workspace apps is a major advantage. By fitting naturally into your current workflow, Gemini eliminates the friction of adapting to entirely new systems and offers enhanced productivity from the outset.

That said, successful adoption requires more than just providing staff members with the technology. Businesses will see the best results when they nurture a culture of AI exploration. They can do this by providing not only targeted training but also ongoing encouragement for teams to find improved ways of working, and acknowledgement of those that do. Once they are equipped with both strong digital skills and the confidence to test the capabilities of AI during every day tasks, your teams will be able to extract the full value of Gemini for your business.

How does Gemini enhance team collaboration and decision making?

Gemini’s response:

"Collaboration is key, and I'm here to help teams work together more effectively. I can facilitate brainstorming sessions by generating ideas and organizing feedback. I can also help teams reach consensus by summarizing different perspectives and identifying common ground. When it comes to decision-making, I can provide data-driven insights and help teams evaluate different options. I can even help you create presentations and reports to communicate your decisions clearly and persuasively. Think of me as the ultimate team player, always ready to contribute and help everyone work together better."

Expert commentary:

Gemini has correctly understood and responded to both elements (collaboration and decision making) of the question. It correctly notes that facilitating brainstorming and synthesising diverse perspectives can drive better decision-making. However, while Gemini provides data-driven insights, human oversight remains crucial. It is the combination of AI’s rapid data processing with the analytical rigour of human judgement that truly enhances collaboration. In our experience, training teams to interact effectively with AI – understanding when to lean on its insights and when to apply critical thinking – ensures that technology acts as a true partner rather than a standalone solution.

What security measures does Gemini offer?

Gemini’s response:

"Security is paramount. Gemini benefits from Google's robust security infrastructure, which includes advanced encryption and data protection measures. Your data is treated with the utmost confidentiality, and we adhere to strict privacy policies. We understand the importance of data security in the business world, and we've designed Gemini with that in mind. You can rest assured that your information is safe and secure."

Expert commentary:

Security is a non-negotiable aspect of any AI deployment, and Gemini’s response here underscores the importance of robust data protection - but it falls way short of what business stakeholders and decision makers really need to know before they can use Google AI with confidence.

So, what do you need to know? Well, Google Workspace has long-standing, built-in controls including AI classification, Data Loss Prevention (DLP) and Information Rights Management (IRM). These controls identify, classify, and protect sensitive data - and prevent oversharing. Google’s AI is designed to work in harmony with these security features and respect the parameters already set. Put simply, it can only access relevant content that users have pre-existing permission to view.

A more complete and reassuring answer than the one Gemini provided above can be found on the Google Privacy Hub.

Empower your team to achieve more

Google Gemini is more than a tech upgrade – it is a strategic enabler that empowers your team to achieve more.

But while Gemini’s responses showcase its impressive capabilities, it is the relationship between AI technology and human expertise that drives real and lasting business value.

That’s where we come in.

Together, we can make sure you see the full value of your Google Workspace investment and understand how AI tools like Gemini, Notebook LM and Agentspace can help you make rapid and measurable progress towards your most important business goals.

Disclaimer: Answers to the questions in this blog were generated on 6th February 2025 by Gemini Advanced. Our prompt provided Gemini with the title and a brief synopsis of this blog for context. We then simply asked Gemini to answer the four questions below. Gemini’s answers have not been edited or altered.