When a job is satisfying, your team mates are exceptional and you can enjoy exciting outside interests - life can feel truly rewarding. Working in a great career that enables the flexibility to engage in hobbies is a special goal for many.

One such person who has mastered excellent work-life balance is Jo Hyland. She works for Entain, focusing on the company's End User Services (EUS), which provides technical support to colleagues using computers, software, and hardware across the business. Jo works as a Support Operations Specialist, helping end users around the world get the best out of Entain’s systems. She also runs weekly inductions for new joiners, introducing them to the team, what they do, and how EUS supports the wider business.

What makes Jo's story so interesting is that she has successfully created a brilliant combination of enjoying her career at Entain, while flexibly carving out time to appreciate and care for her horses, along with pursuing her long-term passion as an accomplished artist and writer.

Working in a great role to support end users

With a solid career background in creating, designing and implementing training programmes, Jo has great experience in supporting end user requirements.

Jo has a fabulous role whereby she is responsible for ensuring that over 30,000 end users across Entain understand and get the best out of the applications that the EUS area support, working with applications including ServiceNow, Office 365 applications, and more. Jo is also responsible for the communications that come out of her area, ensuring end users are aware of change that may affect them. As part of the EUS leadership team, Jo also ensures that the leadership team and her colleagues receive appropriate training, along with continued excellence in delivery and service. 

Jo says the EUS leadership team has always been supportive, and she enjoys coming up with new ideas to promote the team and encourage continuous learning. She especially enjoys helping others realise their potential and is proud of a structured learning programme she introduced using the Udemy global platform. Implementation took time, as the 130-strong team had varying needs and were using multiple platforms, but she feels they’re now in a good place. The new approach provides a standardised learning experience for the global EUS team - spanning from Brazil to the Philippines. The leadership team and wider EUS colleagues also complete regular training, helping to maintain excellent service and delivery across the business. "I have been at Entain for 6 years, and I really love my job. I’m so lucky to be able to work across all teams and areas of the business, and I have met some incredible people and made amazing friendships,” says Jo. “Throughout my career and life, I have always taught in one way shape or form. I have run a gym, taught swimming, trained police officers, and more.”

Enjoying good career flexibility

Jo predominantly works remotely and heads into Entain’s Stratford office in London when required. "I’m able to balance my work life incredibly well with my hobbies," attests Jo. “With two horses, a Jack Russell dog, and a supportive husband, my personal time is always filled with activity. Before work, I tend to ride the horses with my dog running alongside.”

A thriving work culture

There is always something happening at Entain. “It’s a great place to work and a bustling place to be,” says Jo. “We have a brilliant Women@Entain network, and last year we ran a six-month mentoring plan across our Product and Technology area, where colleagues were mentored by senior leaders. It was such an impactful initiative.”

Recently, Jo co-hosted an event in Vienna for She Goes Digital, an initiative designed to provide insight into how digitalisation is taking place in companies and in everyday working life, aiming to make digital professions more attractive for women and to showcase career opportunities.

"At Entain, there are always so many fabulous opportunities available, as a company, we are big on learning and are very supportive. Whether seeking an apprenticeship or wanting to climb the leadership ladder, Entain supports you to work towards your career goals. For myself, I’m now 56 years old, and I don’t feel any pressure to keep advancing. I have my own goals to work towards," explains Jo. "I love what I do and I’m super happy in my position. I feel really blessed to be doing my job and working for Entain."

Many rewarding careers on offer at Entain

Jo is keen for many further women to join Entain and work in rewarding careers. Offering some key advice, Jo says that women candidates should not be overwhelmed if they do not meet all the requirements of a job advert. "You may be just the person that Entain is looking for," encourages Jo. "Be positive and grasp opportunities with both hands, and shine. Don’t worry if you’re not as technical as you think you need to be. Take the time to learn, and don’t ever be afraid to ask questions. And remember if you’ve had a long career, you’re never too old. Age and experience diversity are key at Entain."

Citing one of her favourite artists Eminem: "Look, if you had one shot or one opportunity to seize everything you ever wanted in one moment. Would you capture it or just let it slip?"

Jo maintains a very positive mindset, not only in her workday, but in life overall. "Everything you do makes you stronger, so never be afraid of knockbacks.  Stand your ground and say your piece. Often a knockback can lead you along a path that you never thought you’d end up taking. After all, I began my working career as a lifeguard, and I was the oldest on my course by 20 years. So never give up, just be your very best."

Work for a top company offering great flexibility

Entain delivers exceptional and unforgettable customer experiences, fuelled by creativity, innovation, and a strong connection between its audience and industry. The company offers so many exciting roles, so search latest job vacancies to identify where you may be best matched.

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