Final answer:
The payment of hardship allowances to expatriates varies by company policies and assignment location, intended to compensate for living difficulties abroad.
Step-by-step explanation:
The frequency of hardship allowances to expatriates by companies can vary greatly and is often based on individual company policies, the location of the assignment, and the nature of the hardship incurred. Hardship allowances are typically part of an expatriate compensation package designed to offset additional costs or difficulties faced when living abroad, which can range from cost of living adjustments to compensation for political instability or health risks. It is noted that European countries have substantial labor protection laws imposing significant costs on businesses regarding severance and unemployment benefits, which indicates that companies may practice caution to balance between supporting employees and managing operational costs.