Developer Tools & Devops · WorkOS + Claude
WorkOS MCP with Claude: Automate Enterprise Identity and User Management
The short answer
Claude works with WorkOS through the Model Context Protocol (MCP), an open standard that lets Claude securely read and act inside the tool. Once connected, Claude can look up user profiles, create connections and invitations, and help oversee directory synchronization, using permissions your organisation controls and approvals for sensitive changes.
What is WorkOS?
WorkOS is an enterprise identity and user management API. It helps software companies centralise single sign-on, user provisioning and directory synchronisation across many identity providers. Product, engineering and IT teams use it to onboard enterprise customers, manage users and keep access records accurate. Because it sits at the heart of how people sign in, it is a common starting point for automating routine access administration.
How Claude connects to WorkOS through MCP
The Model Context Protocol, or MCP, is an open standard that acts like a universal adapter between Claude and other software. It lets Claude use a tool securely, reading information and taking actions, within permissions that the organisation sets. For WorkOS, the connection can run through an MCP server or a direct API connection, using an API key as the sign-in method.
Once connected, Claude can typically query user profiles, sync directories, create connections and send invitations, all through plain-language requests. A team lead might ask for the status of a customer's directory, and Claude can retrieve it and summarise the result. The scope of what Claude can do is set during design, so the connection only reaches the functions the business needs.
Permissions and approvals keep people in charge. We use least-privilege access, so the API key is limited to what each workflow requires. Consequential actions, such as removing users or changing connections, can be routed to a named person for approval before they run. Every action is written to an audit log, so the business can see who asked for what and when.
What you can automate
Customer onboarding for enterprise accounts
When a new enterprise customer signs a contract, Claude can help set up their connection and send invitations to the first administrators. The onboarding lead asks in plain language, Claude prepares the steps, and a person confirms before anything is created. This shortens setup time and reduces manual copying between systems.
Answering user access questions
Support staff often need to confirm whether a person has an account, which organisation they belong to, or why they cannot sign in. Claude can query user profiles and summarise the relevant details in seconds. Support agents keep control of the final answer and any change made to the account.
Monitoring directory synchronisation
Directory sync keeps user lists aligned with a customer's identity provider. Claude can check sync status across connections and flag anything that has stalled or looks unusual. IT teams receive a short summary each morning rather than checking each dashboard by hand.
Managing invitations and offboarding
Inviting new staff and removing leavers are repetitive, time-sensitive tasks. Claude can prepare batches of invitations from an approved list and draft offboarding requests for review. Named approvers confirm every removal, which reduces the risk of errors or access left open after someone departs.
Preparing access reviews
Periodic access reviews require a clear picture of who has what. Claude can gather user and connection records into a structured report for the compliance or security team. The report supports the review, while the reviewers make the final decisions.
An end-to-end workflow: New enterprise customer onboarding with HR and ticketing
TriggerA signed enterprise contract is recorded in the CRM and a ticket is opened for IT onboarding.
Claude reads the customer details from the CRM and the onboarding ticket.
Claude proposes a WorkOS connection and the list of initial administrators.
The onboarding lead reviews and approves the connection and invitations.
Claude creates the connection and sends invitations through WorkOS.
Claude updates the ticket with progress and records each action in the audit log.
Claude notifies the account manager once directory sync shows as healthy.
OutcomeTypically, onboarding moves faster, administrators receive their invitations on the same day, and the account team has a clear record of each step.
How we set it up
Free automation audit
We review how your team handles identity and access work today and identify the workflows worth automating. You receive a clear list of options and a rough sense of the benefit before any commitment.
Connect Claude to WorkOS
We connect Claude to WorkOS through an MCP server or direct API, using an API key as the sign-in method. The key is stored securely and scoped to the functions each workflow needs.
Design the end-to-end workflow
We map the workflow across WorkOS and your other systems, such as your CRM, ticketing or Microsoft 365. We define which actions run automatically and which need a named person to approve.
Test and launch with monitoring
We test the workflow against real past cases, then launch with monitoring and audit logs turned on. Any unexpected result is reviewed before the workflow expands.
Train your team
We train administrators and support staff on how to make requests, review Claude's output and handle approvals. Documentation is left with your team so they can keep the workflow running.
Who benefits
- IT and identity administrators
- Less manual work on invitations, offboarding and sync checks, with a clear audit trail.
- Customer success and account managers
- Faster enterprise onboarding and quicker answers to customer access questions.
- Support leads
- Faster diagnosis of sign-in problems without needing to switch between several systems.
- Security and compliance teams
- Structured access reports and a complete log of who requested and approved each change.
Security and control
- API keys are stored securely and limited to the functions each workflow requires.
- Consequential actions, such as removing users or changing connections, require approval from a named person.
- Every action taken through Claude is recorded in an audit log for review.
- Workflows are tested against real past cases before launch and monitored afterwards.
- Organisations keep control of their data, and access can be withdrawn at any time by revoking the API key.
For teams in the US, UK, India and the Middle East
Organisations in the United States and the United Kingdom can use this workflow alongside their existing data protection obligations, and we design access to reflect those requirements. In India, the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 shapes how personal data is handled, and we configure workflows accordingly. For organisations in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, local data protection laws guide design choices. Claude can be hosted in India, the United States, the United Kingdom or the European Union, and we select the hosting region to meet your requirements.
Learn more about Claude and MCP
Anthropic's AI model and assistant.
Secure links between Claude and business tools.
How engineers build and change software with Claude.
Hosted agents that run multi-step work.
The open standard Claude uses to connect to tools.
Frequently asked questions
What does the WorkOS MCP server do?
The WorkOS MCP server lets Claude connect to WorkOS and use it securely. Typically, this means reading user profiles, checking directory sync status, and creating connections or invitations, all through plain-language requests. The server only exposes the functions that your workflow is set up to use.
Is it secure to connect Claude to WorkOS?
Security is built into the design. Access uses an API key scoped to the functions each workflow needs, following least-privilege principles. Sensitive actions can require approval from a named person, and every action is recorded in an audit log that your team can review.
What can Claude do with WorkOS once connected?
Typically, Claude can look up users, summarise directory sync status, prepare invitations, create connections and draft offboarding requests. It can also gather records into reports for access reviews. The exact actions allowed are agreed during design and can be limited as you prefer.
How long does setup take?
Many projects move from the free audit to a tested launch within a few weeks, though timing depends on the complexity of your workflows and systems. We begin with a focused workflow so you see value early, then expand once it is running well.
Which plan or permissions are needed?
In general, you need a WorkOS account with an API key that has access to the functions your workflow uses. The specific permissions depend on your setup, so we confirm the requirements during the free audit and set access to the minimum needed.