Google is bolstering its productivity suite with a new Calendar feature designed to help users safeguard dedicated work time. The update allows users to block off time for tasks within their calendars and automatically decline meeting requests during those periods, addressing a common pain point for those striving for better time management. Rolling out throughout December, the functionality builds on Google’s earlier release of a standalone web version of Google Tasks and is available to all Google Workspace customers, individual subscribers, and personal google account holders.
Google Calendar now allows users to designate tasks as “busy” to automatically decline meeting requests, offering a new level of time management control.
Google is deepening the integration between Google Calendar and Google Tasks with a new feature that lets users schedule time for tasks directly within their calendars. By marking a task as “busy” or “do not disturb,” users can automatically decline incoming meeting invitations during those allocated time blocks. The update follows the launch of a standalone web version for Google Tasks earlier this year, as previously reported. The new functionality is rolling out to all Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts.
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The new Calendar feature provides expanded options for adding detail to tasks, effectively allowing them to function as scheduled appointments with dedicated time slots. This integration addresses a common challenge for individuals seeking to protect focused work time from interruptions.
To utilize the feature, users can click on an empty slot in their Google Calendar and select “Task.” They can then add a description and adjust the task’s visibility. Crucially, users can also set the task status to “free,” “busy,” or “do not disturb.” The task will appear in both the Calendar and the Tasks list, and Google will continue to provide reminders until the task is completed.
The rollout began for Rapid Release domains on November 6. The broader, phased rollout to all users will begin on December 1 and may take up to 15 days to complete.
