Lots of adults chew at work without ever saying so. A pen lid in a meeting, a lanyard on a long call, a nail while waiting for an email to send. If you'd like to swap those for something made for chewing, but don't want anything that looks out of place in the office, this guide is for you.
Why so many adults want something discreet
Many of the adults we talk to have spent years hiding the need to chew, or trying to push through without it. Work can be one of the hardest places to meet it: open-plan noise, back-to-back meetings, long stretches of concentration and not much privacy.
A chew that looks like everyday jewellery takes some of the pressure off. You can reach for it when you need it, without feeling you're on show.
What "discreet" really means
Discreet doesn't have to mean dull. It's more about a few simple choices:
- Colour. Black, silver and navy tend to disappear into most outfits. Brighter colours are great if you'd rather make a statement.
- Shape. Simple rings, discs and tags read as jewellery. Novelty shapes stand out more.
- Size. A smaller pendant or a slim bangle is less noticeable than something chunky.
- Where you wear it. Under a collar, up a sleeve or in a pocket are all options.
Pendants, bangles or pocket chews?
Pendants sit right where you need them and are easy to reach in a meeting. The Realm Ring looks like a simple ring pendant, and you can fold it over for a tougher chew. The Jazz pendant has a smooth, glossy finish and a large thumb hole, which makes it a favourite with nail biters and hand chewers. Browse all our pendants.
Bangles are brilliant if you can't stand anything round your neck, or if you tend to chew sleeves and nails. The Bonnie Bangle is smooth and flexible with a satisfying flip, and was designed with discretion at its heart. The Bermuda Bangle blends in with loads of outfits. The Flip Communication Bangle is easy to keep up a sleeve in a meeting. Browse all our bangles.
Pocket chews suit people who'd rather not wear anything. Our Worry Stones have a subtle stippled texture and slip into a pocket. The Pocket Sized Hand Fidget & Sensory Chew fits nicely in the palm of your hand. There are more in our fidgets collection.
What to say if someone asks
Most of the time, nobody notices. When someone does ask, it's usually out of curiosity, and a short, relaxed answer is plenty. A few you could borrow:
- "It's a chewable necklace. It helps me concentrate."
- "It's a sensory thing. Much better than chewing my pens."
- "It's my focus bangle."
- Or simply: "It's jewellery, thank you!"
You don't owe anyone a detailed explanation, and you don't need to share a diagnosis unless you want to.
Talking to your employer
If you'd like more support at work, it may be worth a conversation with your manager or HR. Acas, the UK's workplace advice service, explains that reasonable adjustments are changes an employer makes to remove or reduce a disadvantage related to someone's disability. It gives "providing equipment, services or support" as one example, and notes that employers must make reasonable adjustments by law under the Equality Act 2010. Acas also has guidance on adjustments for neurodiversity.
The government's Access to Work scheme is another route some people explore for support in work. Whether any particular item is covered depends on your circumstances, so check the details on GOV.UK.
A small chew is often something people simply buy for themselves. Still, it's good to know these conversations are possible if you need wider support.
Making it work through the working day
- Keep one in your work bag. Having it there means you'll actually use it.
- Pick a spare. Everything wears eventually when it's chewed, so it's handy to have a backup at your desk.
- Chew the chew, not the cord. Cords and clasps aren't designed for chewing.
- Follow the care instructions on your product, and check it regularly for nicks or tears. We recommend replacing a chew at the very first sign of wear.
- Match it to your day. Some people wear a pendant for meetings and switch to a bangle for desk work.
Finding your style
If you're new to chews, it can take a little trial and error to find the one that fits your work life. Think about where the urge to chew usually hits (meetings, calls, the commute), then pick the format that's easiest to reach in that moment.
Browse our full range, or take the four-question "Find Your Perfect Chew" quiz on the Chewigem homepage for a nudge in the right direction.
However you like to chew, there's a way to do it that fits your working day.
Sources
- Acas, "What reasonable adjustments are": acas.org.uk/reasonable-adjustments
- Acas, "Neurodiversity at work": acas.org.uk/neurodiversity-at-work
- GOV.UK, "Access to Work": gov.uk/access-to-work
- Product details: chewigem.com product pages (linked above)