Is it permissible to pray in congregation at the workplace while some women are sitting at their desks in front of part of the first row?

There is no impediment to part of a row in prayer being behind a seated or reclining woman. Indeed, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, used to pray while Aisha was lying across between him and the Qibla. It is obligatory for a man to lower his gaze from non-mahram women, even during prayer, while noting the warnings against intermingling.