What is the ruling on entering the kitchen when the maid is there alone?

It has been previously explained that it is impermissible to be alone with a female domestic worker or any other non-mahram woman. However, if the kitchen is open and there are others in the house, such that a third person is certain to enter, then this is not considered an unlawful seclusion (khalwa). Nevertheless, it is preferable for a man to avoid being alone with a woman.