I was hired as a technical writer several years back for a Major Corporation That Will Remain Nameless, and initially was permitted to work from home on days when I was not booked for meetings with SMEs. It was a significant commute so I enjoyed the opportunity to stay home and be more productive several days per week.

Unfortunately, the powers that be discovered that some of their own, non-contract employees were not clocking in reliably at a remote site, so they instituted a policy stating that all employees must work on-site at all times. They seemed to believe that if they could see someone sitting at a desk, work must be getting done. The reality is often quite the opposite.

Thankfully, I work for myself now too, and my rate is significantly higher for employers who want me to work on-site. ;)