Question:

Nowadays there is the custom of mixed-gender workplaces. Majority of the times there is a female secretary in private offices. Employers gossip with their secretaries. Please inform us of the Shar’ee ruling on this issue.

Answer:

The ruling is clear. To be in seclusion with an ajnabiyah (non-mahram) woman and to gossip with her is totally haram in Shariah. Therefore it is not permissible to hire a female secretary.

(Hazrat Shaheed Mufti Maulana) Yusuf Ludhyanwi (May Allah have mercy on him)
Aap ke Masaail aur unkaa hall Vol.8 Pg.100