I only use my Echo Dot for a few things:

  - checking the weather/time
  - settings a timer 
  - having Alexa read me a bedtime story (Audible)

I think if I dedicated some time to actually integrate Alexa with my home (lights, Nest, speakers, etc.), I can see it improving productivity. Especially with how easy custom skills are to build, you can really take the technology much further.