Great workplaces aren’t built overnight, and they aren’t built by accident. They’re shaped by the people who show up every day, challenge each other to think differently, and genuinely care about the work they do together.
For X by 2, a technology consulting firm specializing in healthcare and insurance, that philosophy has always been at the heart of its culture.
This year, the company has even more reason to celebrate, earning its first #1 ranking in the Small Business category of the Detroit Free Press’s 2026 Michigan Top Workplaces awards, following five consecutive years of recognition among Michigan’s top five small businesses.
X by 2 also received the Communication Specialty Award, recognizing the company’s commitment to open communication and creating an environment where employees feel informed, connected, and heard.
Building Something Different
As a technology consulting firm, X by 2 brings together architects, engineers, and consultants to solve some of the most complex technology challenges facing healthcare and insurance organizations. That work demands more than technical expertise. It requires curiosity, collaboration, and a willingness to challenge conventional thinking.
Those same principles shape how X by 2 operates internally.
Employees are encouraged to share perspectives, challenge ideas, and take ownership of their work. Contributions aren’t defined by titles, and collaboration extends beyond individual teams or projects. It’s a culture grounded in mutual respect, shared accountability, and the belief that the best solutions come from people who feel empowered to contribute.
“We’ve always believed that the work we do is only possible when you have the right people and an environment where they can thrive,” said Alyssa Reuter, Director of People & Culture at X by 2. “We’re a company of people who aren’t afraid to challenge each other’s thinking, have honest conversations, and push one another to be better. That’s what makes us successful in the work we do, and it’s what makes X by 2 a great place to work. Five consecutive years among the top five is something we’re incredibly proud of, but earning the #1 spot this year, alongside an award for communication, is especially meaningful because it reflects the culture our people have helped build.”
Communication That Goes Beyond Keeping People Informed
At X by 2, communication is about more than sharing updates or keeping everyone on the same page. It’s about building trust, encouraging open dialogue, and creating an environment where employees feel comfortable asking questions, sharing feedback, and challenging ideas.
Whether it’s working through a complex client engagement, exchanging perspectives across teams, or having candid conversations about how the company can improve, open communication plays an essential role in how X by 2 operates.
The Communication Specialty Award is particularly meaningful because it reflects employee feedback. It reinforces the importance of maintaining a workplace where people feel heard, respected, and involved in shaping the company’s future.
Five Years in the Top Five, One Consistent Priority
Earning a place on the Top Workplaces list is an accomplishment in itself. Ranking among the top five small businesses for five consecutive years speaks to something even more meaningful: the consistency of the culture behind it.
Since 2022, X by 2 has maintained its place among Michigan’s highest-ranked small businesses, culminating in its first #1 ranking in the Detroit Free Press Top Workplaces awards in 2026.
As X by 2 has evolved, taking on new challenges, expanding its expertise, and finding new ways to support employees, one priority has remained unchanged: its people.
From opportunities to tackle meaningful technical challenges and grow professionally to company gatherings that strengthen relationships beyond day-to-day client work, X by 2 continues to invest in the experiences that make its culture distinct.
Ultimately, this recognition belongs to the people of X by 2. Their ideas, dedication, and willingness to challenge and support one another are what make the company successful. Earning the top spot is a milestone worth celebrating, but continuing to build a workplace where people can do meaningful work, grow, and thrive remains the greater goal.
