---
title: "Set up your first virtual employee — Tidy"
description: "Create a workshop, choose a harness and model connection, and deploy a virtual employee in Tidy."
url: https://www.tidy.engineering/releases/first-virtual-employee
last_updated: 2026-09-22T21:29:12.000Z
---

[All release notes](https://www.tidy.engineering/releases)

September 22, 2026

# Set up your first virtual employee

Set up a virtual employee with a role, clear instructions and the access it needs.

The walkthrough follows a fictional project coordinator, Penny. It shows how to add a Linux workshop, choose Pi as the harness, connect through Tidy inference and deploy the employee. Setup waits are shortened and enrollment credentials are hidden.

## Choose where it works

Start with a hosted employee if you don’t need a computer of your own. Use a workshop when the job needs local files, tools or a browser. The workshop is the machine; the employee keeps its identity, conversations and backlog when you move it.

## Choose how it uses a model

Tidy inference uses Tidy’s models and managed access. Availability and usage follow your Tidy plan. A supported provider sign-in uses your provider account and its limits. An API key is a separate option, with API usage billed under that key. Available choices depend on the harness and provider.

Use the sign-in controls for accounts and keys. Don’t put passwords in an employee’s instructions.

## Review before it runs

Approve installation requests through Tidy’s identity-verification flow. Give the employee a narrow first task and review the result. A completed deployment is not the same as a completed assignment.

Virtual employees require Plus. Model credits, hosted capacity and provider charges depend on your setup. The video uses an isolated test machine and fictional content.

Follow the [step-by-step setup guide](https://www.tidy.engineering/virtual-employees) for chapter navigation and the full narration.

See also: [Collaboration](https://www.tidy.engineering/collaboration) · [Plans](https://www.tidy.engineering/pricing) · [Request an invite](https://www.tidy.engineering/#waitlist).