What is the ruling on a man remaining in a mixed-gender work environment with women, on the pretext that the man is only working and not sinning, and that job opportunities are scarce?

The intermingling of men and women in the workplace has negative consequences and clear corruptions, including: unlawful gazing and touching, being alone with a non-mahram woman (khalwa), one becoming infatuated with the other, and the resulting destruction of families and ruin of homes. The Sharia has prohibited intermingling that leads to these corruptions. The natural place for a woman is to stay in her home, but this does not justify a Muslim man committing what Allah has forbidden. Rather, he is accountable for his actions and is required to enjoin good and forbid evil.

A Muslim should avoid places of temptation and seek work that is free from intermingling. If he cannot find such work, then he should fear Allah by lowering his gaze and be cautious of speaking to women unnecessarily or engaging in khalwa.