World Menopause Month is an opportunity to shine a spotlight on a topic that affects millions of people yet is still too often misunderstood or left unspoken. At Acorn Training, we believe that creating an open, supportive and inclusive workplace means ensuring colleagues feel comfortable talking about menopause and accessing the support they need.
Over the past year, our commitment to menopause awareness has continued to grow. Through our Menopause Working Group and Menopause Champions, we have worked to raise understanding, encourage meaningful conversations and ensure colleagues know they are not alone in their experiences. From dedicated resources and training to supportive workplace policies, we are committed to building a culture where everyone feels heard, valued and empowered.
Menopause can impact people in different ways, affecting physical health, emotional wellbeing, confidence and day-to-day working life. By increasing awareness and understanding across our workforce, we can help break down stigma and create an environment where people feel confident seeking support when they need it.
As part of World Menopause Month, we’re sharing personal experiences from colleagues who have navigated their own menopause journey. By sharing these stories, we hope to encourage understanding, start conversations and remind others that support is available.
Niki’s Journey
“I never imagined menopause would be such a defining chapter in my life. It crept in quietly at first: subtle shifts in mood, sleep that felt less restful, and a body that no longer responded the way it used to. I brushed it off, thinking it was just stress or age. But soon, the signs became louder: hot flushes that arrived like tidal waves, nights soaked in sweat, and a foggy mind that made even simple tasks feel like climbing a mountain. I constantly questioned myself at work, forgetting things, feeling useless and feeling less like myself. This was the hardest hurdle to overcome.
At first, I felt betrayed by my own body. I had always been strong, capable and in control. Suddenly, I was navigating a storm I hadn’t prepared for. The emotional toll was just as intense, with waves of anxiety, moments of inexplicable sadness, and an ongoing battle with self-doubt about my abilities at work. This went to the extreme, and I clearly remember experiencing the deepest suicidal thoughts. I kept all of this at home, battling through and hiding my insecurities at work, keeping smiling and making jokes about my lack of memory and my own incompetence. I didn’t share how I was feeling because I couldn’t see anyone ‘like me’, or so I thought.
But slowly, I began to shift. I started listening to my body instead of fighting it. I sought out stories from other women, and in their words, I found echoes of my own experience. I learned that menopause isn’t just an ending; it’s a transformation. A shedding of old skin. A chance to redefine what it means to be me.
I began to prioritise self-care in ways I never had before. I became more open with others and gave myself permission to rest without guilt. I spoke more openly with friends, and those conversations, raw, honest and sometimes hilarious, became lifelines. This also spurred me into action at work, and I’m hopeful that the policy, training and information brought together by a band of individuals, our Menopause Champions, makes a difference. I hope it helps create a better understanding of the ‘dreaded menopause’ and what we can do to support all our staff throughout their journey.
Menopause taught me resilience. It reminded me that change, even when uncomfortable, can be a gateway to growth. I’m still on this journey, and some days are harder than others. But I’ve come to see this phase not as a decline, but as a powerful evolution.”
Continuing the Conversation
Menopause is a natural stage of life, but every experience is different. By sharing stories, listening without judgement and supporting one another, we can help create workplaces and communities where menopause is understood, respected and openly discussed.
At Acorn Training, we’re committed to ensuring that conversations around menopause continue beyond awareness months and campaigns. Through ongoing education, support and understanding, we can create a culture where nobody feels they have to face their journey alone.
This World Menopause Month, we encourage everyone to take a moment to learn more, start a conversation and help challenge outdated perceptions. Together, we can continue building a workplace where colleagues feel supported, valued and empowered at every stage of life.
If you would like to learn more about menopause support at Acorn Training, speak to your manager, a member of the Menopause Working Group or one of our Menopause Champions.
