A new state policy in Russia aims to involve businesses in family and demographic issues. The importance of engaging enterprises in solving demographic problems is emphasized, as the state introduces re­levant regulations and incentives and publicizes results through the “Business Reputation Index of Business Entities (EKG-rating)”. Theoretically, these processes align with corporate citizenship theory, which posits that companies have an obligation to assume a share of responsibility proportional to their operational rights. This study examines how Russians of reproductive age view employers as potential influencers of demographic po­licy and how these views relate to their reproductive intentions. Data were collected in the autumn of 2023. The study found that 25 % of respondents believe that employer support for parents can increase birth rates in their regions. Overall, employers are seen to have a relatively minor influence on people’s reproductive attitudes. Those who appreciate employer support tend to delay having their first child. The perceived influence of employers is associated with an earlier ideal age for starting a family and a desire for more children. Moreover, those who see employers as influential tend to believe that having more children is essential for personal fulfillment. These findings suggest the potential for enhancing demographic policy by involving employers and underscore the importance of state policies that engage enterprises in regional demographic agendas.

Various social institutions may be involved in the implementation of the state’s pro-natalist policy. Family-friendly corporate policies, common in many countries, are still quite rare in Russia. At the same time, many socio-economic indicators significantly differ across Russian regions. The study aims to identify regional development models of the Russian corporate sector and determine those models that have the highest potential for dissemination of family-friendly corporate policies aimed at increasing the birth rate of the population in these regions. It is hypothesised that such Russian regions can be identified based on a multidimensional classification of socio-economic indicators. The hierarchical cluster analysis was used to model the Russian economic space. Then, the clusters were further grouped according to additional variables. The article analysed official regional statistics characterising the development of the corporate sector. Five clusters of Russian regions were identified. It is proved that corporate family-friendly policies can be disseminated in two regions in particular. Specific demographic (in particular, low birth rate and growth potential) and economic (high innovative activity, small number of loss-making enterprises, the highest demographic indicators among organisations and the average level of priveate consumption) conditions are observed in these clusters. It is concluded that in the corporate sector of these Russian regions, family-friendly policy may gain popularity among staff. This approach, accessible to enterprises, can act as an effective tool of demographic policy. Further research should focus on the analysis of cases of Russian enterprises implementing family-friendly policies, identification of benchmarks, assessment of the possibilities of scaling such experience and forecasting its demographic results.

The demographic challenges that Russia is facing today require more and more new measures aimed at increasing the birth rate. In the context of an increase in the age of first childbearing, modern youth have stable ideas that the age of 18-24 is not “suitable” for childbearing. The authors’ review of existing and proposed measures to support student families suggests the active development of this area. The key areas of implemented and planned support are highlighted: assistance to student families in solving housing issues; financial support for student parents; organizational measures aimed at combining parental and educational responsibilities. Our analysis focused on the problem of creating the necessary conditions for the implementation of the parental life strategy by young people during their student years. The aim of the study was to develop potential tools to minimize the difficulties of parenthood that arise during parental leave for student families. To achieve this goal, two tasks were set: to identify the totality of difficulties and contradictions experienced by parents during parental leave, and to develop proposals based on the results obtained aimed at increasing the birth rate of students during their higher education. The research method was semi-formalized interviews with 40 parents whose families use the right to parental leave. According to the results of the analysis, two levels of complexity have been identified: institutional (difficulties related to government regulation, infrastructure, labor market) and personal (social attitudes, relationships with the environment, health status). For student parents, the situation during parental leave is even more difficult, and support is more in demand. Based on this, recommendations have been developed that are aimed at mitigating the difficulties of student families on parental leave and can be implemented in the Russian higher education system.