But there are challenges, according to a study by Northeastern University. People often feel isolated from their work colleagues and supervisors. And sometimes it's hard to separate work from the rest of their lives.

Managing an at-home employee is different from supervising someone who is in the office, says the study's author, marketing professor Jay Mulki.

He explains: “Mutual trust is key to this work situation. Employees resent managers who give the impression of monitoring them. And when it comes to work-life balance, working from home can be good -- or bad. On the employer side, when you're at home, you're always available. On the employee side, you wanted to be there to pick up your kid, or whatever the case may be."