What are the religiously permissible limits of اختلاط (unrestricted mixing between sexes), what is the difference between general and specific اختلاط, and is the segregation of workplaces for men and women sufficient to make اختلاط religiously permissible if communication and joint meetings continue?

The permissible mixing (اختلاط) in Islam is that from which temptation (fitna) is secure, and where the legal boundaries are observed, such as avoiding privacy (khalwa), refraining from speaking in a soft and alluring manner, adhering to the hijab, and lowering the gaze. As for the prevalent mixing today without legal boundaries, it is a gateway to evil and corruption. Talking and joking between non-mahram men and women without necessity is impermissible, as it is a cause for temptation. If the offices of men and women are separated, and interaction between them is limited to work within the bounds of necessity, with women adhering to the hijab, refraining from speaking in a soft and alluring manner, and avoiding privacy, then that is permissible. Islamic law has warned against the temptation of women and has been keen on concealing women and keeping them away from places of suspicion and temptation.