Raken gives you precise control over who can log data, who can view projects, and who simply has their time tracked by a supervisor. Understanding the difference between employee types helps you set up your account correctly from day one.
Quick Answer
Raken has two broad employee categories — team members (employees with a Raken login) and workers (employees tracked by supervisors with no login). Within those categories, there are six specific roles: Account admin, Project admin, Project member, View only, Project Worker, and Worker.
Employee Types in Raken
Team Members (Employees With a Login)
Team members are employees who have a Raken account and can log into the web app, mobile app, or both. There are four team member roles:
Account admin — Full access to the company account and all projects.
Project admin — Admin access to invited projects only.
Project member — Standard field access to invited projects.
View only — Read-only access to invited projects.
Team members count toward your purchased license count.
Project Workers (Limited Login)
Project Workers have a Raken login with access limited to My Time and Schedule only. This role is designed for field workers who clock in and out using Raken Time Clock on their own device.
Requires the Time Clock add-on to clock in and out independently.
Can view and approve their own time cards.
Can view their assigned schedule.
Workers (No Login)
Workers have no Raken login — their time and activity is tracked entirely by a supervisor.
Can be placed into groups (crews, unions, trades, etc.).
Can have certifications associated with their record.
Can sign off on toolbox talks and approve time cards via SMS.
Role Comparison
Account admin — Full access: company, all projects, settings, billing, integrations
Project admin — Admin access to assigned projects; can sign reports, manage team
Project member — Field access: daily reports, time cards, safety tools on assigned projects
View only — Read-only access to assigned projects
Project Worker — My Time and Schedule only; self-clock-in via Time Clock
Worker — No login; time tracked by supervisors; can approve time via SMS
Troubleshooting & FAQ
When should I use Project Worker instead of Worker?
Use Project Worker when a field employee needs to clock in and out on their own device. Use Worker when a supervisor will enter all their time and the employee needs no app access.
Can I change an employee's role after adding them?
Yes. Go to Directory > Employees, open the employee's profile, and update their role under the Info section.
Do Workers count toward my license count?
No. Workers do not occupy a purchased license. Project Workers and all other team member roles do.
How do I give a Worker their own login?
Update their role to Project Worker and add an email address. They'll receive an invitation to create a Raken account.
Technical Specifications
Compatibility: Web app and mobile app (varies by role)
Plan Required: All plans; Project Worker self-clock-in requires the Time Clock add-on
Add-on Required: Time Clock add-on required for Project Worker self-clock-in
Role Required: Account Administrator to assign and manage roles
Considerations
Only Account Administrators can add employees and assign roles.
Role permissions can be customized beyond the defaults under Company > Roles & permissions.
The Time Clock add-on is required for Project Workers to clock in and out on their own device.
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More Questions?
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