What is a DRP And Why Do You Need It?

Julie Starr • September 25, 2021

 

A disaster recovery plan or DRP is not the same as a business continuity plan (BCP).  It’s so easy to confuse the two and yet, if you knew the subtle differences you will never make this mistake again. In the hierarchy of recovery plans, it goes something like this. A crisis communication plan (CCP), then a disaster recovery plan and finally a business continuity plan. A DRP can be considered as a recovery plan that will be useful during the event.  As an example, perhaps a fire is raging in your warehouse, then you activate your DRP and begin to limit the damage being done. But why would you need this if you already have a BCP and a CCP? Here are the subtle differences.

 

What is being harmed?

The first thing you do is get your managers to tell you what are the key mission activities in their respective areas. For example, for the IT team to function, they require power to keep the servers ticking over. So some kind of emergency power generator specifically for the IT infrastructure is required. For the financial team, they need a connection to the financial markets and your business bank account, so some kind of internet access to the banking mainframe is required. You could have an emergency internet service provider that can provide support for your tablets or laptops so your team can function while away from work. So as you can see, key mission activities need to be fully understood before a recovery plan can be forged.

Reputational recovery

So as a warehouse is being flooded, you need to let customers and the media know what is going on. Customers haven’t gotten their orders and they get angry during a crisis which they have no idea is happening. That isn’t their fault, it’s your own. Working with a reputation management agency will let you know what kind of communication types you have at your disposal. They will form a communication plan which you can use to communicate with the media, customers, investors and the market, letting them all know what is going on and what you’re doing to save as much as you can. Reputational damage is long-lasting, so it’s very important you are prepared.

Going to the transition

So you have limited the damage of a crisis event, but now you need to get back online. Let’s say you have pumped out the floodwaters in your warehouse, but how will you get it up and running again? You need to transition to your BCP. This will be things like doing a health and safety risk assessment of the damage, replacing broken items, getting power back on and helping employees who are hurt, etc. This transition is done by completing a checklist of DRP activities. This is how you know when you can move on when the event is over and the damage limitation activities are completed. 

  A DRP is the compilation of activities done during a crisis event, in order to limit the damage that is being done. Every business needs one so you can save as many assets as possible in real-time. 

The Business Case for Sustainability: Communicating Your Strategy in an Evolving Landscape

By Julie Starr • February 17, 2025
A shifting political landscape can create uncertainty for businesses committed to sustainability, but one thing remains clear: the need for transparency and strategic communication has never been greater. As the federal government moves to roll back environmental and social policies, companies must proactively define their sustainability strategies, ensuring stakeholders—employees, customers, investors, and partners—understand their commitments and the business value they create. The Power of Clear Communication Sustainability is not a trend; it’s an imperative driven by economic, environmental, and social realities. Despite policy shifts, the forces of market demand, global regulation, and risk mitigation continue to push companies forward. To maintain momentum, organizations should : Clarify Their Sustainability Position: Companies must articulate their approach in ways that resonate with stakeholders. Whether reducing emissions, improving supply chain resilience, or advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, leaders should communicate clearly how these strategies align with long-term business success. Leverage Data-Driven Insights: In an era of skepticism, relying on factual, measurable sustainability outcomes strengthens credibility. Stakeholders need more than broad commitments—they need clear, quantifiable impacts. Maintain Focus on Global Markets: While federal policies may change, international regulations and customer expectations continue to favor sustainable business models. Companies operating across borders must ensure their sustainability strategies align with evolving global standards. Staying the Course in a Changing Environment While some companies may feel pressure to scale back sustainability efforts in response to shifting political winds, leading organizations recognize that progress is a long-term game. Now is not the time to retreat but to double down on: Resilient Supply Chains: With new tariffs and policy changes affecting imports, companies should evaluate how sustainability-driven supply chain diversification can reduce risk and enhance efficiency. Operational Decarbonization: The financial and strategic benefits of decarbonization—from renewable energy investments to energy-efficient operations—remain strong, independent of policy shifts. Workforce and Customer Engagement: Employees and consumers increasingly expect businesses to uphold their values. Companies that maintain commitments to social responsibility and environmental impact will strengthen brand loyalty and attract top talent. Sustainability leadership is about more than responding to regulatory shifts—it’s about defining the future. Companies that stay the course, communicate effectively, and align their sustainability strategies with business objectives will be the ones that thrive in the years ahead.

Connecting the Dots: Air Quality, Climate Messaging, and Stakeholder Engagement

By Julie Starr • February 7, 2025
I n a world increasingly affected by environmental change, it’s critical to recognize the everyday impacts of air pollution beyond the commonly cited respiratory and cardiovascular risks. A recent study, published in Nature Communications , reveals that even short-term exposure to air pollution can impair cognitive function, affecting focus, emotional recognition, and task performance. This groundbreaking research underscores the urgent need for effective climate communication and stakeholder engagement to address air quality issues. At Taiga Company, we specialize in climate-focused stakeholder engagement, helping organizations bridge the gap between scientific findings and actionable change. Our services provide a crucial platform for educating stakeholders—including businesses, policymakers, and communities—on the dangers of air pollution and the strategic steps needed to mitigate its effects.  The Link Between Air Quality and Cognitive Function The study found that exposure to high concentrations of particulate matter, even for just an hour, reduced participants' ability to maintain focus, process emotions accurately, and avoid distractions. Such cognitive impairments can have profound implications in workplace productivity, education, and public safety. For instance, employees working in environments with poor air quality may experience diminished concentration, leading to decreased efficiency and increased errors. Similarly, students exposed to air pollution may struggle with academic performance due to impaired attention and emotional regulation. These insights reinforce the idea that air pollution is not just an environmental concern but a societal and economic one, requiring a holistic approach to policy, corporate responsibility, and community engagement. The Role of Climate Messaging in Air Quality Awareness Despite overwhelming scientific evidence, public awareness of air pollution’s cognitive and behavioral impacts remains limited. This is where strategic climate messaging becomes essential. Effective communication can: Translate complex scientific research into accessible, actionable insights for diverse audiences. Drive policy advocacy by equipping decision-makers with data-backed arguments for stricter air quality regulations. Encourage behavioral change among businesses and individuals by highlighting solutions, such as cleaner transportation, sustainable energy sources, and indoor air quality improvements. However, simply disseminating information is not enough. Stakeholder engagement ensures that communities, businesses, and policymakers are not just informed but also motivated and equipped to take action. Moving Forward: A Collective Responsibility The study’s findings make one thing clear: air pollution is not just an environmental issue—it’s a cognitive and social issue with wide-reaching consequences. As we navigate an increasingly complex climate landscape, it’s crucial to integrate air quality concerns into broader discussions on sustainability, health, and productivity. At Taiga Company, we believe that effective stakeholder engagement is the key to transforming awareness into action. By educating businesses, policymakers, and communities, we can drive the changes necessary to create a healthier, more sustainable future for all. To learn more about how Taiga Company can help your organization develop impactful climate communication and stakeholder engagement strategies, contact us today.
Share by: