The 16 best apps for your office

Today, almost everything in the modern office is digital. Tasks are planned, meetings are organized, documents are shared and teams are connected via tools. Some applications stand out. They bring structure, create clarity and ensure that collaboration really works. This is precisely why there are countless apps for the office today that promise to make processes easier. But which ones are really helpful?

We've worked our way through the tools for communication, organization and hybrid working and show you the 15 best office apps that really make a difference in everyday working life.

Contents

• Apps for hybrid working and remote working
• Apps for task management and notes
  
• Apps for project management
  
• Apps for time recording
  
• Apps for document management
  
• Apps for focus and productivity
  
• Conclusion

Apps for hybrid working and remote work

Offices today are no longer fixed locations, but networks of people, places and ideas. For this model to work, we need tools that create connections, regardless of where someone is currently working.

1. desk.ly: The desk sharing software and app for hybrid working

desk.ly makes hybrid working simple and clear. The workplace management software helps companies to make sensible use of their office space and give employees more freedom in their choice of workplace. Instead of assigning fixed desks, workstations can be booked flexibly. This works conveniently via the browser or directly via the app.

With desk.ly, teams can see at a glance which desks are free, who is working when in the office and which meeting rooms are available. On the interactive office plan, each person can choose the exact workspace that suits them best, for example close to the team, in a quieter area or with plenty of natural light.

For companies, desk.ly is more than just a tool for booking desks. The platform provides detailed evaluations on the use of workstations and spaces. This makes it possible to understand how often certain areas are occupied and where there is unused potential. This makes planning easier and saves costs in the long term.

Integration into existing systems is also straightforward. desk.ly connects to tools such as Microsoft 365, Google Workspace or Slack. Bookings and attendances can therefore be integrated directly into the daily workflow without any additional work steps.

2. Slack

Slack is one of the most popular communication tools for companies and teams that collaborate digitally. Instead of fighting through endless email threads, all communication in Slack is centralized in one place.

Information is bundled in topic-specific channels so that all relevant people have access to the same content. Direct messages enable quick coordination, while files, links and documents can be shared directly in the chat. Integration with tools such as Google Drive, Trello, Zoom or Asana is also practical. This allows processes to be connected without having to constantly switch between applications.

3. Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams combines chat, video conferencing, file sharing and project management in one application. The platform is part of Microsoft 365 and can therefore be ideally integrated into existing Office workflows.

In Teams, employees can create channels for projects or departments, edit files together and plan meetings directly via the integrated calendar. The close connection to Word, Excel, PowerPoint and SharePoint is particularly useful. This means that documents are always up to date and can be edited by several people at the same time.

With functions such as screen sharing, whiteboard and breakout rooms, Microsoft Teams is suitable for daily coordination as well as for workshops or customer meetings. The app can be used on desktop, tablet and smartphone, making it a central platform for communication and collaboration in the office or home office.

Apps for task management and notes

Good task management is the basis for productive work. These apps help you plan projects, collect notes and keep an overview.

4. Todoist

Todoist is one of the best-known tools for task planning. You can sort tasks by projects, priorities and due dates, assign labels and create recurring to-dos. Thanks to integration with tools such as Google Calendar or Slack, everything stays synchronized.

5. Notion

Notion is an all-in-one platform for tasks, notes and knowledge management. Teams can work together on projects, document processes and link content. The flexible structure makes Notion particularly popular with creative and dynamic companies.

6. Evernote

Evernote is a classic among note-taking apps. Whether ideas, documents or meeting notes - everything can be saved in a structured way and synchronized across devices. With the web clipper function, you can save content directly from the browser and transfer it to your digital notebook.

Apps for project management

7. Asana

Asana is one of the best-known platforms for project management. Tasks can be clearly assigned, deadlines can be set and progress can be visualized. Automations save time, while dashboards provide a quick overview of the project status.

8. Trello

Trello is based on the Kanban principle. Tasks are displayed as cards and can be moved between columns such as "Open", "In progress" and "Done". The intuitive system is particularly suitable for teams that work in an agile way or prefer visual planning.

9. Monday.com

Monday.com offers a modern, customizable interface. Teams can map projects, campaigns or workflows individually. Automations, timelines and dashboards ensure that no detail is lost. Marketing and product teams in particular appreciate the flexibility of the tool.

Apps for time recording

10. Personio

Personio is much more than just an HR tool. The software offers a fully integrated module for digital time recording that relieves employees and HR teams alike. Working hours can be recorded via desktop or app, including breaks, overtime and individual working time models.
A major advantage is the connection with other HR processes. Absences, vacation requests and payroll accounting are directly linked. This creates an end-to-end process from time recording to payroll accounting. Especially for companies that already use Personio as their HR platform, the time recording module is the logical addition - clear, data protection-compliant and legally compliant in accordance with German employment law.

11. Clockin

clockin is a solution from Germany that is particularly easy to use. Employees can record work, break and travel times with just a few clicks - directly via smartphone, tablet or PC. The app also works offline, making it ideal for field service, trade or project work. In addition to classic time recording, clockin offers practical additional functions such as project time recording, digital checklists, task management and documentation of work records.
The integration into existing systems is also a plus point for companies. Data can be transferred to DATEV and other payroll accounting tools, which noticeably simplifies administration.

12. Shiftbase

shiftbase is another popular tool from Europe that combines time recording and shift planning in one platform. Employees can record their working hours, request vacations and view planned shifts. Managers, in turn, can keep track of working hours, staff deployment and capacity utilization. The cloud-based solution is particularly suitable for companies with changing working hours or multiple locations. With automated timesheets and clear reports, shiftbase ensures transparency in personnel planning.

Apps for document management

13. Google Workspace

Google Workspace offers a complete environment for teamwork. With Docs, Sheets, Slides and Drive, several people can work on documents at the same time. Everything is saved automatically and can be accessed from anywhere.

14. Dropbox Business

Dropbox Business has been a reliable solution for file sharing and cloud storage for years. With versioning and individual access rights, teams retain full control over their data.

15. Confluence

Confluence is a digital company wiki in which processes, documentation and internal information are stored centrally. This means that knowledge is not lost and remains accessible to everyone.

Apps for focus and productivity

16. Forest

Forest turns focus into motivation. If you concentrate on your work, you plant a tree in the app. Those who check their smartphone in between let it wither. A playful but effective method to avoid distraction.

Conclusion

Ultimately, all of these tools have the same goal: work should feel less like effort and more like progress. The best office apps support exactly that. They bring structure to the day, promote teamwork and turn the digital workplace into a place where collaboration really works.