Introduction. The article proves the necessity of implementing the principles of decent work for transition to innovative development of Russia’s economy and formulates a hypothesis about the possibility of the use of socio-economic benefits to implement the principles of decent work at the regional level. Theoretical background of the research. This research used the author’s definition of benefits as exceptions to the general rule, expressed in terms of facilitating or improving their performance (up to the complete abolition of the obligation to perform) and applicable to certain categories of citizens, personal qualities, especially the life and activity which are the source socio-economic inequalities. Description and results of the research. The study used 11 groups of indicators that reflect certain aspects of Decent Work to evaluate regional peculiarities promotion of decent work system. The research analyzed the impact of benefits on decent wages, housing, and access to employment, safe working conditions and reproduction of employee health, social security and skills development; and provided examples of benefits that contribute to the implementation of the decent work concept. The author paid the particular attention to the specifics of the application of benefits designed to create the conditions for innovative economic development of Russia. Conclusions. Reasonable use of benefits may have a significant impact on the implementation of the principles of decent work at the regional level and to promote innovative development of the Russian economy.