In the first installment of The Verge’s three-part “Work Smarter” series, Laura Mae Martin—Google’s Executive Productivity Advisor—offers a fresh take on productivity in a changing work landscape. As both a consultant to Google’s top teams and author of Uptime, she champions a holistic, intentional approach that bridges personal well-being with professional performance.
1. Embrace the ‘Settings Menu’
Martin believes many people never truly exploit the full power of digital tools—Slack, Gmail, Notion, you name it—because they never dive into the settings. She suggests dedicating a few minutes every week to customize these tools. Her playful idea? Force users to spend time in settings before accessing the app. The goal: find hidden features—automations, shortcuts, filters—that save time and reduce friction
2. Rethinking Productivity & Remote Work
Four years after the pandemic upended the typical office setup, Martin observes a profound shift in how success is measured. The outdated “butts-in-seats” mindset is evolving toward valuing outcomes, employee satisfaction, and sustainable energy management. She argues that the era of glorified hustle culture is fading, making way for an approach that values longevity over short-term intensity
3. Tools Are in Service of Systems
Digital apps may seem like productivity panaceas, but Martin contends that true efficiency comes from well-designed systems—not just tools. She advises focusing on:
- Picking one primary communication channel (e.g., Slack or email) and sticking with it
- Minimizing the mental load caused by toggling between multiple platforms ()
Email, despite its flaws, remains central. Martin promotes the “laundry” method for inbox management: empty the inbox completely, then sort messages into actionable categories—respond, follow-up, read, or archive. This transforms email into manageable batches instead of a chaotic flow
4. Calendar as a Mirror
Your calendar doesn’t just show meetings—it reveals your priorities. Martin recommends conducting a calendar audit: print or view your past two weeks, circle recurring events, and ask whether they align with your real goals. This “zero-based” approach encourages a fresh perspective on recurring commitments
She also suggests:
- Defaulting new meetings to 15 minutes instead of 30
- Booking “urgent time” slots for surprise issues, like some execs at Google do
5. Focus on Energy & Attention
Productivity isn’t just about time—it’s about energy cycles and focus quality. Identify when you’re most energized (morning? afternoon?) and schedule creative tasks accordingly. Also, guard attention by limiting interruptions during those peak windows ().
Simple strategies include charging your phone away from the bedroom, taking tech-free evenings, and having a “Main List” to consolidate all tasks and notes—reducing cognitive clutter
6. Intentional Downtime
Rest isn’t a luxury—it’s a productivity booster. Consider Martin’s “No Tech Tuesday”: one evening a week with zero screens. Initially a personal experiment, it gained traction at Google and had noticeable effects on focus and restfulness
7. AI as a Productivity Partner
Rather than viewing AI as a threat, Martin envisions it as an “intern” or assistant—handling routine tasks like drafting emails, managing schedules, or surfacing relevant documents. As we build trust, AI can support higher-level thinking and free us to focus on strategy and creativity ().
8. Small Changes Make Big Difference
Martin emphasizes starting with incremental shifts:
- Limit meeting defaults to 15 minutes
- Conduct a calendar review quarterly
- Empty the inbox daily
- Try one tech-free evening per week
These modest, consistent actions accumulate into significant improvements—without requiring drastic life overhauls
Bringing It All Together
Google’s productivity strategy, as outlined by Laura Mae Martin, centers on:
- Curiosity—explore tool settings for deeper capabilities
- Intentionality—organize both time and mental energy deliberately
- Balance—integrate rest and well-being into daily flow
- Consistency—grow through small, sustainable habits
In Uptime, Martin reframes productivity: achieving more, yes—but in ways that support well-being instead of sacrificing it. The result is not just a more effective worker—it’s a more fulfilled human.
