A warning this morning about the hidden costs and potential pitfalls of working from home.

The push by big companies to allow flexibility with remote offices may actually be transferring costs to employees.

A global survey by business equipment company Regus has found the cost of equipping a home office is about $70 a week.

That includes the cost of equipment, foregoing the use of a room, lighting, heating, office supplies, cleaning and maintenance.

Even if you pay $3000 a year for an Auckland all-zone train pass, you're better off commuting into town.

Of the New Zealanders with home offices, only 42 percent say their company pays for the equipment.

And most are not aware of health and safety obligations, or requirements around insurance cover.