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Exhibit 10.55  

 
 

RESTATED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT*
  (as amended through March 9, 2005)    
    

        THIS AGREEMENT, dated as of May 7, 2001, is by and between SPHERION CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation (hereinafter referred to as the
"Company"), and ROY G. KRAUSE (hereinafter the "Executive"). 

RECITALS  

        A.    (Amended October 6, 2004)    The Executive currently serves as the Company's Chief Executive Officer and
President, and his services and knowledge are valuable to the Company in connection with the management of its business. 

        B.    The
Company and the Executive are parties to that certain Employment Agreement dated November 18, 1998 (the "Prior Employment
Agreement"). 

        C.    The
Company and the Executive desire to terminate the Prior Employment Agreement (and any predecessor employment agreements) and to enter into this Agreement upon the
terms and subject to the conditions hereinafter set forth. 

        D.    The
Company desires to continue to employ the Executive and to enter into a new agreement embodying the terms of such employment. 

        E.    The
Executive desires to continue the Executive's employment and to enter into a new agreement embodying the terms of such employment. 

AGREEMENTS  

        NOW, THEREFORE, to induce the Executive to remain in the employ of the Company and its subsidiaries, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt
and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Company and the Executive agree as follows: 

        1.     Employment.    (Amended October 6, 2004)

        During
the Term of Employment (as defined in Section 2 hereof), the Executive shall serve as Chief Executive Officer and President. The Executive shall perform and assume all
duties and responsibilities customary to such position and shall devote all of his business time and energies thereto. In carrying out such duties and responsibilities, the Executive shall report to,
and be subject to the direction of the Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board"). 

        1.A. Board Service.    (added October 6, 2004)

        It
is the intention of the parties that the Executive be elected by the stockholders of the Company to serve as a member of the Board during the Term of Employment (as defined in
Section 2 hereof). The Company shall recommend to the Nominating Committee of the Board that the Executive be nominated as a director of the Company during the Term of Employment, consistent
with the Company's By-Laws, and the Company shall use its best efforts to have the Executive so elected. In addition, the Company shall recommend to the Board that the Executive be
designated as a member of the Executive Committee of the Board, consistent with the Company's By-Laws. 

        2.     Term. 

        The
Term of Employment under this Agreement shall commence as of the date of this Agreement and shall continue at the will of the Company and the Executive (the
"Term of Employment"). Either party may terminate the Executive's employment at any time and for any reason. 

        3.     Base Salary. 

        The
Company shall pay the Executive, in accordance with the Company's regular payroll practices applicable to salaried employees, an annualized base salary at the rate in effect on the
date of this 

 

Agreement,
as the same may from time to time be increased or decreased at the sole discretion of the Compensation Committee of the Board (the "Compensation
Committee"). 

        4.     Incentive Awards. 

        a)    The
Executive shall participate in the Company's annual incentive plan for senior-level executives as in effect from time to time, subject to the performance standards
set by the Compensation Committee. Payment of any annual incentive award shall be made at the same time that such awards are paid to other senior-level executives of the Company. The Executive's
annual incentive award target shall be set by the Compensation Committee. 

        b)    The
Executive shall be eligible to receive grants under the Company's long-term incentive plans as in effect from time to time; provided, however, that the
size, type and other terms and conditions of any such grant to the Executive shall be determined by the Compensation Committee. 

        5.     Benefits, Fringes and Perquisites. 

        The
Executive shall be entitled to participate in all employee pension and welfare benefit, fringe benefit and perquisite plans and programs made available to the Company's senior-level
executives as in effect from time to time. 

        6.     Vacation. 

        The
Executive shall be entitled to vacation in accordance with the Company's vacation policy applicable to its senior-level executives. Vacations shall be arranged in order that they not
materially interfere with the normal functioning of the Company's business activities or the performance of the Executive's duties hereunder. 

        7.     Business Expenses. 

        The
Company shall reimburse the Executive for any ordinary, necessary and reasonable business expenses that the Executive incurs in connection with the performance of his duties under
this Agreement, in accordance with the Company's policy regarding the reimbursement of business expenses. 

        8.     Termination of Employment. 

        a)    Death or Disability.    The Executive's employment shall terminate upon the Executive's Death, and Company may
terminate the Executive's employment due to Disability (as defined herein). If, during the Term of Employment, the Executive's employment is terminated due to Death or Disability, the Executive (or
Executive's estate or legal representative, as the case may be) shall be entitled to receive: 

        i)     Executive's
base salary through the date of such termination of employment (the "Termination Date") at the rate in effect
at the time thereof; 

        ii)    an
amount, payable at the same time that annual incentive awards for the year in which the Executive's employment so terminates are paid to senior-level executives of
the Company, equal to the product of the Executive's annual incentive award target for such year and a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days in such year through the date of such
termination of employment, and the denominator of which is 365; provided, however, that no such amount shall be paid to the Executive (or to Executive's estate or legal representative, as the case may
be) if annual incentive awards for such year are not paid to senior-level executives of the Company generally; 

        iii)   reimbursement
for expenses incurred by the Executive in accordance with the Company's policy but not reimbursed prior to the date of such termination of employment; 

        iv)    any
vested deferred base salary and annual incentive awards (including, without limitation, interest or other credits on such deferred amounts); and 

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        v)     any
other compensation or benefits that may be owed or provided to the Executive in accordance with the terms and conditions of any applicable plans and programs of the
Company. 

        For
purposes of this Agreement, "Disability" shall mean the Executive's inability, by reason of illness or other physical or mental
disability, to perform the principal duties required by the position held by the Executive at the inception of such illness or disability, for any consecutive 180-day period. A
determination of Disability shall be subject to the certification of a qualified medical doctor agreed to by the Company and the Executive or, in the Executive's incapacity to designate a doctor, the
Executive's legal representative. If the Company and the Executive cannot agree on the designation of a doctor, then each party shall nominate a qualified medical doctor and the two doctors shall
select a third doctor, and the third doctor shall make the determination as to Disability. 

        b)    For Cause.    The Company may terminate the Executive's employment for Cause (as defined herein) if the Board
determines that Cause exists and serves written notice of such termination to the Executive. If, during the Term of Employment, the Company terminates the Executive's employment for Cause, all of the
Executive's annual incentive awards, long-term incentive awards, stock options and other stock or long-term incentive grants which are not then vested or not then exercisable
shall be canceled as of the date of the Board's written notice of termination, and the Executive shall be entitled to receive: 

        i)     Executive's
base salary through the date of such termination of employment at the rate in effect at the time thereof; 

        ii)    reimbursement
for expenses incurred by the Executive in accordance with the Company's policy but not reimbursed prior to the date of such termination of employment; 

        iii)   any
vested deferred base salary and vested annual incentive awards (including, without limitation, interest or other credits on such deferred amounts but not including
unvested annual incentive awards or amounts payable for the year in which the Board's written notice of termination for Cause is made, or unvested annual incentive awards or amounts payable after the
Board's written notice of termination for Cause is made); and 

        iv)    any
other compensation or benefits that may be owed or provided to the Executive in accordance with the terms and conditions of any applicable plans and programs of the
Company. 

The
Executive shall be entitled to receive no other compensation or benefits, whether pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise, except as and to the extent required by law. 

For
purposes of this Agreement, "Cause" shall mean one or more of the following: 

        (I)   the
material violation of any of the terms and conditions of this Agreement or any written agreements the Executive may from time to time have with the Company (after
30 days following written notice from the Board specifying such material violation and Executive's failure to cure or remedy such material violation within such 30-day period); 

        (II)  inattention
to or failure to perform Executive's assigned duties and responsibilities competently for any reason other than due to Disability (after 30 days
following written notice from the Board specifying such inattention or failure, and Executive's failure to cure or remedy such inattention or failure within such 30-day period); 

        (III) engaging
in activities or conduct injurious to the reputation of the Company or its affiliates including, without limitation, engaging in immoral acts which become
public information or repeatedly conveying to one person, or conveying to an assembled public group, negative information concerning the Company or its affiliates; 

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        (IV) commission
of an act of dishonesty, including, but not limited to, misappropriation of funds or any property of the Company; 

        (V)  commission
by the Executive of an act which constitutes a misdemeanor (involving an act of moral turpitude) or a felony; 

        (VI) the
material violation of any of the Policies referred to in Section 9 hereof (after 30 days following written notice from the Board specifying such
failure, and the Executive's failure to cure or remedy such inattention or failure within such 30-day period); 

        (VII) refusal
to perform the Executive's assigned duties and responsibilities or other insubordination (after 30 days following written notice from the Board
specifying such refusal or insubordination, and the Executive's failure to cure or remedy such refusal or insubordination within such 30-day period); or 

        (VIII) unsatisfactory
performance of duties by the Executive as a result of alcohol or drug use by the Executive. 

        c)     Without Cause.    The Company may terminate the Executive's employment without Cause. If, during the Term of
Employment, the Company terminates the Executive's employment without Cause, other than due to Disability, then in lieu of any amount otherwise payable under this Agreement, or as damages for
termination of Executive's employment without Cause, the Executive shall be entitled to receive: 

        i)     (Amended March 9, 2005) a cash severance payment a cash severance payment (reduced by any applicable payroll or
other taxes required to be withheld) equal to (x) three (3.0) times the Executive's annual salary for the current year, plus (y) the Prorated Bonus Payment (as defined hereafter). The
Prorated Bonus Payment shall equal the product of (x) the Executive's annual incentive award target for the current year and (y) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days
in such year through the date of such termination of employment, and the denominator of which is 365. The severance payment shall be payable in a lump sum amount beginning within thirty
(30) days of the date of the Board's written notice of termination without Cause. If the notice of termination is given prior to the determination of the Executive's salary or annual incentive
award target for the year in which the notice of termination is given, then the amounts shall be based on the annual salary for the prior year and the greater of the annual incentive award target for
the prior year or the actual annual incentive award earned by the Executive for the prior year. The current year shall be (A) for purposes of determining the Executive's annual salary, the year
then generally used by the Company for setting salaries for senior-level executives (currently April 1 through the following March 31), and (B) for purposes of determining annual
incentive award targets, the fiscal year then generally used by the Company for setting annual incentive award targets for senior-level executives, in which the Board gives the Executive written
notice of termination, and the prior year shall be the twelve-month period immediately preceding the current year; 

        ii)    Reimbursement
for expenses incurred by the Executive in accordance with the Company's policy but not reimbursed prior to the date of such termination of employment; 

        iii)   Any
vested deferred base salary and annual incentive awards (including, without limitation, interest or other credits on such deferred amounts); 

        iv)    Any
other compensation or benefits that may be owed or provided to the Executive in accordance with the terms and conditions of any applicable plans and programs of the
Company; 

        v)     (Amended May 7, 2002) This Section 8(c)(v) is intentionally omitted; 

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        vi)    (Amended May 7, 2002) This Section 8(c)(vi) is intentionally omitted; and 

        vii)  (Amended November 30, 2003) For grants made to Executive prior to September 1, 2003, the immediate and
full satisfaction of any vesting or service requirements with respect to any employee stock options, restricted stock and deferred stock units (and other stock awards) previously granted to the
Executive and then outstanding. Employee stock options, restricted stock and deferred stock units (and other stock awards) granted to the Executive on or after September 1, 2003, are governed
by the terms of the grant documents and will terminate in accordance therewith and are only exercisable to the extent provided therein. 

(Amended March 9, 2005) The payment of the Severance Payment as well as all other payments and benefits provided by the Company to the Executive
under this Agreement shall be conditioned on the following: (i) Executive's continued compliance with the non-competition and confidentiality provisions provided herein;
(ii) the Executive's execution of a full release and settlement of any and all claims against the Company; and (iii) the Executive's execution of a non-disparagement
agreement and continued compliance therewith. 

        d)    Voluntary Termination.    If, during the Term of Employment, the Executive terminates his employment other than
due to Retirement, the Executive shall be entitled to receive: 

        i)     Executive's
base salary through the date of such termination of employment at the rate in effect at the time thereof; 

        ii)    reimbursement
for expenses incurred by the Executive in accordance with the Company's policy but not reimbursed prior to the date of such termination of employment; 

        iii)   any
vested deferred base salary and annual incentive awards (including, without limitation, interest or other credits on such deferred amounts); and 

        iv)    no
other compensation or benefits except as and to the extent required by law. 

        e)    Ineligibility for Severance Plan Payments.    Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding,
Executive shall not be entitled to any payment under any of the Company's severance plans, programs or arrangements. 

        f)     Payment of Deferred Compensation.    (added March 9,
2005) Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, to the extent the Executive is deemed a "key employee" for purposes of Section 409A of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and notwithstanding any contrary provision which exists in any of the Company's deferred compensation plans, any distribution of deferred compensation
to the Executive will be delayed for a period of 6 months after the Termination Date as required by Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. 

        9.     Company Policies. 

        The
Executive shall strictly follow and adhere to all written policies of the Company which are not inconsistent with this Agreement or applicable law including, without limitation,
securities laws compliance (including, without limitation, use or disclosure of material nonpublic information, restrictions on sales of Company stock, and reporting requirements), conflicts of
interest (including, without limitation, doing business with the Company or its affiliates without the prior approval of the Board), and employee harassment. 

        10.   Confidentiality. 

        The
Executive will not at any time (whether during or after Executive's employment with the Company) disclose or use for Executive's own benefit or purposes, or for the benefit or
purpose of any other person, firm, partnership, joint venture, association, corporation or other business organization, entity or enterprise, any trade secrets, information, data, or other
confidential information relating to customers, employees, job applicants, services, development programs, prices, costs, marketing, trading, 

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investment,
sales activities, promotion, processes, systems, credit and financial data, financing methods, plans, proprietary computer software, request for proposal documents, or the business and
affairs of the Company generally, or of any affiliate of the Company; provided, however, that the foregoing shall not apply to information which is generally known to the industry or the public other
than as a result of the Executive's breach of this covenant. The Executive agrees that upon termination of his employment with the Company for any reason, he will return to the Company immediately all
memoranda, books, papers, plans, information, letters and other data, and all copies thereof or therefrom (whether in written, printed or electronic form), in any way relating to the business of the
Company and its affiliates. 

        The
Executive acknowledges and agrees that the Company's remedies at law for a breach or threatened breach of any of the provisions of this Section would be inadequate and, in
recognition of this fact, the Executive agrees that, in the event of such a breach or threatened breach, in addition to any remedies at law, the Company, without posting any bond, shall be entitled to
obtain equitable relief in the form of specific performance, a temporary restraining order, a temporary or permanent injunction or any other equitable remedy which may then be available. 

        11.   Covenant Not to Compete. 

        a)    In General.    The Executive agrees that during Executive's employment with the Company and for a period of one
(1) year after the termination of such employment for whatever reason (the "Non-Compete Period"), he shall not, anywhere in the
United States: 

        i)     act
as an employee, director, consultant, partner, principal, agent, representative, owner or stockholder (other than as a stockholder of less than a one percent (1%)
equity interest) for (1) any public company that derives any revenue from any business line in which the Company derives $25 million or more in annualized revenues as of the Termination
Date or from the principal business line in which the Executive was directly involved immediately prior to the Termination Date (collectively, the "Business
Lines") or (2) any private company that derives $25 million or more in annualized revenues from any combination of one or more of the Business Lines; 

        ii)    solicit
business from, or perform services for, or induce others to perform services for, any company or other business entity which at any time during the one
(1) year period immediately preceding the Termination Date was a client of the Company or its affiliates; or 

        iii)   offer,
or cause to be offered, employment with any business, whether in corporate, proprietorship, or partnership form or otherwise, either on a full-time,
part-time or consulting basis, to any person who was employed by the Company or its affiliates or for whom the Company or its affiliates performed outplacement services, in either case at
any time during the one (1) year period immediately preceding the Termination Date. 

        iv)    For
purposes of this Agreement, affiliates of the Company include subsidiaries 50% or more owned by the Company and the Company's franchisees and licensees. 

        b)    Consideration.    The consideration for the foregoing covenant not to compete, the sufficiency of which is
hereby acknowledged, is the Company's agreement to employ the Executive and provide compensation and benefits pursuant to this Agreement. 

        c)     Equitable Relief and Other Remedies.    The Executive acknowledges and agrees that the Company's remedies at law
for a breach or threatened breach of any of the provisions of this Section would be inadequate and, in recognition of this fact, the Executive agrees that, in the event of such a breach or threatened
breach, in addition to any remedies at law, the Company, without posting any bond, shall be entitled to obtain equitable relief in the form of specific performance, temporary restraining order, a
temporary or permanent injunction or any other equitable remedy which may then be available. 

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        d)    Reformation.    If the foregoing covenant not to compete would otherwise be determined invalid or unenforceable
by a court of competent jurisdiction, such court shall exercise its discretion in reforming the provisions of this Section to the end that the Executive be subject to a covenant not to compete,
reasonable under the circumstances, enforceable by the Company. 

        12.   Company Policies, Plans and Programs. 

        Whenever
any rights under this Agreement depend on the terms of a policy, plan or program established or maintained by the Company, any determination of these rights shall be made on the
basis of the policy, plan or program in effect at the time as of which the determination is made. No reference in this Agreement to any policy, plan or program established or maintained by the Company
shall preclude the Company from prospectively or retroactively changing or amending or terminating that policy, plan or program or adopting a new policy, plan or program in lieu of the
then-existing policy, plan or program. 

        13.   Binding Agreement; Successors. 

        a)    This
Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the Company and its successors and assigns. The Company shall require any successor (whether direct
or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company, by agreement to assume expressly and agree to perform this
Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place. For purposes of this Agreement, "Company" shall mean the
Company as hereinbefore defined and any successor to its business and/or assets as aforesaid. 

        b)    This
Agreement shall be binding up and shall inure to the benefit of the Executive and the Executive's personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators,
successors, heirs, distributees, beneficiaries, devises and legatees. If the Executive should die while any amounts are payable to him hereunder, all such amounts, unless otherwise provided herein,
shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement to the Executive's devisee, legatee, beneficiary or other designee or, if there be no such designee, to the Executive's estate. 

        14.   Change In Control Agreements. 

        Simultaneously
with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the Company and the Executive have executed and delivered a Change In Control Agreement  ("C-I-C Agreement"), which applies under the circumstances and
during the period described therein. If circumstances arise which
cause both the C-I-C Agreement and this Agreement to apply to the Company and the Executive, then, to the extent of any inconsistency between the provisions of this Agreement
and the C-I-C Agreement, the terms of the C-I-C Agreement alone shall apply. However, if the C-I-C Agreement does not apply (as,
for example, if there is no Change
in Control as described therein, or the C-I-C Agreement has expired, or the C-I-C Agreement simply does not apply), then the provisions of this
Agreement shall control and be unaffected by the C-I-C Agreement. 

        15.   Notices.    (Amended March 9, 2005) 

        For
the purposes of this Agreement, notices and all other communications provided for herein shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given (i) on the date of
delivery if delivered by hand, (ii) on the date of transmission, if delivered by confirmed facsimile, (iii) on the first business day following the date of deposit if delivered by
guaranteed overnight delivery service, or (iv) on the third business day following the date delivered or mailed by United States registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage
prepaid, addressed as follows: 

        If
to the Executive: 

Roy
G. Krause

1218 Ponce De Leon Drive

Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316-1363 

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        If
to the Company: 

Spherion
Corporation

2050 Spectrum Boulevard

Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309 

        Attention:
General Counsel 

or
to such other address as either party may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith, except that notices of change of address shall be effective only upon receipt. 

        16.   Governing Law. 

        The
validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Florida, without regard to principles of conflicts of laws. 

        17.   Entire Agreement; Amendment. 

        This
Agreement and the C-I-C Agreement contain the entire agreement between the parties concerning the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior agreements,
understandings, discussions, negotiations and undertakings, whether written or oral, between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof. No provisions of this Agreement may be amended,
modified, waived or discharged unless such amendment, waiver, modification or discharge is agreed to in writing signed by the Executive and the Company. No agreements or representations, oral or
otherwise, express or implied, with respect to the subject matter hereof have been made by either party which are not set forth expressly in this Agreement. 

        18.   Counterparts. 

        This
Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but all of which will constitute one and the same instrument. 

        19.   Non-Assignability. 

        This
Agreement is personal in nature and neither of the parties hereto shall, without the consent of the other, assign, or transfer this Agreement or any rights or obligations hereunder,
except as provided in Section 13. Without limiting the foregoing, the Executive's right to receive payments hereunder shall not be assignable or transferable, whether by pledge, creation of a
security interest or otherwise, other than a transfer by his will or trust or by the laws of descent or distribution, and in the event of any attempted assignment or transfer contrary to this
paragraph the Company shall have no liability to pay any amount so attempted to be assigned or transferred. 

        20.   Resolution of Disputes. 

        a)    The
parties shall submit any claim, demand, dispute, charge or cause of action (in any such case, a "Claim") arising out
of, in connection with, or relating to this Agreement to binding arbitration in conformance with the J*A*M*S/ENDISPUTE Streamlined Arbitration Rules and Procedures or the J*A*M*S/ENDISPUTE
Comprehensive Arbitration Rules and Procedures, as applicable, but expressly excluding Rule 28 of the J*A*M*S/ ENDISPUTE Streamlined Rules and Rule 32 of the J*A*M*S/ENDISPUTE
Comprehensive Rules, as the case may be. All arbitration procedures shall be held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and shall be subject to the choice of law provisions set forth in Section 16 of
this Agreement. 

        b)    In
the event of any dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement for which any party is seeking injunctive relief, specific performance or other equitable relief,
such matter may be resolved by litigation. Accordingly, the parties shall submit such matter to the exclusive jurisdiction of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida or,
if jurisdiction is not available therein, any other court located in Broward County, Florida, and hereby waive any and all objections to such jurisdiction or venue that they may have. Each party
agrees that process may be served upon such party in any manner authorized under the laws of the United States or Florida, and waives any objections that such party may otherwise have to such process. 

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        21.   No Setoff. 

        The
Company shall have no right of setoff or counterclaim in respect of any claim, debt or obligation against any payment provided for in this Agreement. 

        22.   Non-Exclusivity of Rights. 

        Nothing
in this Agreement shall prevent or limit the Executive's continuing or future participation in any benefit, bonus, incentive or other plan or program provided by the Company or
any of its subsidiaries or successors and for which the Executive may qualify, nor shall anything herein limit or reduce such rights as the Executive may have under any other agreements with the
Company or any of its subsidiaries or successors. Amounts which are vested benefits or which the Executive is otherwise entitled to receive under any plan or program of the Company or any of its
subsidiaries shall be payable in accordance with such plan or program, except as explicitly modified by this Agreement. 

        23.   Withholding. 

        The
Company may withhold from any amounts payable under this Agreement such federal, state and local taxes as are required to be withheld (with respect to amounts payable hereunder or
under any benefit plan or arrangement maintained by the Company) pursuant to any applicable law or regulation. 

        24.   Invalidity of Provisions. 

        In
the event that any provision of this Agreement is adjudicated to be invalid or unenforceable under applicable law in any jurisdiction, the validity or enforceability of the remaining
provisions thereof shall be unaffected as to such jurisdiction and such adjudication shall not affect the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction. To the extent that any
provision of this Agreement is adjudicated to be invalid or unenforceable because it is overbroad, that provision shall not be void but
rather shall be limited to the extent required by applicable law and enforced as so limited. The parties expressly acknowledge and agree that Sections 11 and 24 are reasonable in view of the parties'
respective interests. 

        25.   Non-Waiver of Rights. 

        The
failure by the Company or the Executive to enforce at any time any of the provisions of this Agreement or to require at any time performance by the other party of any of the
provisions hereof shall in no way be construed to be a waiver of such provisions or to affect either the validity of this Agreement, or any part hereof, or the right of the Company or the Executive
thereafter to enforce each and every provision in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. 

        PLEASE NOTE: BY SIGNING THIS AGREEMENT, THE EXECUTIVE IS HEREBY CERTIFYING THAT THE EXECUTIVE (A) HAS RECEIVED A COPY OF THIS
AGREEMENT FOR REVIEW AND STUDY BEFORE EXECUTING IT; (B) HAS READ THIS AGREEMENT CAREFULLY BEFORE SIGNING IT; (C) HAS HAD SUFFICIENT OPPORTUNITY BEFORE SIGNING THE AGREEMENT TO ASK ANY
QUESTIONS THE EXECUTIVE HAS ABOUT THE AGREEMENT AND HAS RECEIVED SATISFACTORY ANSWERS TO ALL SUCH QUESTIONS; AND (D) UNDERSTANDS THE EXECUTIVE'S RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE
AGREEMENT.

        THIS AGREEMENT IN SECTION 20 CONTAINS A BINDING ARBITRATION PROVISION WHICH MAY BE ENFORCED BY THE PARTIES.

[signatures
appear on the following page] 

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        IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be executed and delivered as of the day and year first above set forth. 

	 	 	SPHERION CORPORATION
	

 	
 	

By:	
 	

/s/  LISA G. IGLESIAS      

	 	 	Name:	 	Lisa G. Iglesias

	 	 	Title:	 	Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary

	

 	
 	
EXECUTIVE
	

 	
 	

By:	
 	

/s/  ROY G. KRAUSE      

	 	 	Name:	 	ROY G. KRAUSE

        *
This document is a compilation of Mr. Krause's original employment agreement as well as several amendments thereto. It is being presented in this format in order to assist the
reader. 

10

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Exhibit 10.56  

 
 

RESTATED CHANGE IN CONTROL AGREEMENT*
  (as amended through March 9, 2005)    
    

        THIS AGREEMENT, dated as of the 7th day of May, 2001, is by and between SPHERION CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation (hereinafter referred to as the
"Company"), and ROY G. KRAUSE (hereinafter the "Executive"). 

RECITALS  

        A.    The
Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board") considers it essential to the best interests of the Company and its
stockholders that its key management personnel be encouraged to remain with the Company and its subsidiaries and to continue to devote full attention to the Company's business in the event that any
third person expresses its intention to complete a possible business combination with the Company, or in taking any other action which could result in a "Change in
Control" (as defined herein) of the Company. In this connection, the Board recognizes that the possibility of a Change in Control and the uncertainty and questions which it may
raise among management may result in the departure or distraction of key management personnel to the detriment of the Company and its stockholders. The Board has determined that appropriate steps
should be taken to reinforce and encourage the continued attention and dedication of key members of the Company's management to their assigned duties without distraction in the face of the potentially
disturbing circumstances arising from the possibility of a Change in Control of the Company. 

        B.    (Amended October 6, 2004) The Executive currently serves as the Company's Chief Executive Officer and President,
and his services and knowledge are valuable to the Company in connection with the management of its business. 

        C.    The
Board believes the Executive has made and is expected to continue to make valuable contributions to the productivity and profitability of the Company and its
subsidiaries. Should the Company receive a proposal from a third person concerning a possible business combination or any other action which could result in a Change in Control, in addition to the
Executive's regular duties, the Executive may be called upon to assist in the assessment of such proposal, advise management and the Board as to whether such proposal would be in the best interests of
the Company and its stockholders, and to take such other actions as the Board might determine to be necessary or appropriate. 

        D.    Should
the Company receive any proposal from a third person concerning a possible business combination or any other action which could result in a change in control of
the Company, the Board believes it imperative that the Company and the Board be able to rely upon the Executive to continue in his position, and that the Company and the Board be able to receive and
rely upon his advice, if so requested, as to the best interests of the Company and its stockholders without concern that he might be distracted by the personal uncertainties and risks created by such
a proposal, and to encourage Executive's full attention and dedication to the Company. 

        E.    The
Company and the Executive are parties to that certain Change in Control Agreement dated November 18, 1998 (the "Prior CIC
Agreement"). 

        F.     The
Company and the Executive desire to terminate the Prior CIC Agreement (and any predecessor change in control agreements) and to enter into this Agreement upon the
terms and subject to the conditions hereinafter set forth. 

TERMS AND CONDITIONS  

        NOW, THEREFORE, to assure the Company and its subsidiaries that it will have the continued, undivided attention, dedication and services of the Executive and the
availability of the Executive's advice and counsel notwithstanding the possibility, threat or occurrence of a Change in Control of the 

 

Company,
and to induce the Executive to remain in the employ of the Company and its subsidiaries, and for other good and valuable consideration, the adequacy and sufficiency of which are hereby
acknowledged, the Company and the Executive agree as follows. 

        1.     Change in Control.    (Amended March 9, 2005) For
purposes of this Agreement, a "Change in Control" of the Company shall be deemed to have occurred upon any of the following events as such are defined
in Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended: (i) a change in the ownership of the Company; (ii) a change in effective control of the Company; or
(iii) a change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of the Company." 

        2.     Adjustment of Benefits upon Change in Control

        (a)   The
Company agrees that the Compensation Committee of the Board, or such other committee succeeding to such committee's responsibilities with respect to executive
compensation (collectively, the "Compensation Committee") may make such equitable adjustments to any performance targets contained in any awards under
the Company's current incentive compensation plans, or any additional or successor plan in which the Executive is a participant (collectively, the "Incentive
Plans"), as the Compensation Committee determines may be appropriate to eliminate any negative effects from any transactions relating to a Change in Control (such as costs or
expenses associated with the transaction or any related transaction, including, without limitation, any reorganizations, divestitures, recapitalizations or borrowings, or changes in targets or
measures to reflect the disruption of the business, etc.), in order to preserve reward opportunities and performance objectives. 

        (b)   In
the case of a Change in Control, all restrictions and conditions applicable to any awards of restricted stock or the vesting of stock options or other awards granted
to the Executive under the Company's 2000 Stock Incentive Plan, Deferred Stock Plan, any similar, predecessor or successor plan, or otherwise shall be deemed to have been satisfied as of the date the
Change in Control occurs, and this Agreement shall be deemed to amend any agreements evidencing such awards to reflect this provision. 

        3.     Termination Following Change in Control

        (a)   The
Executive's employment may be terminated for any reason by the Company following a Change in Control of the Company. If the Executive's employment is terminated by
the Company for any reason other than for the reasons set forth in subparagraphs (i), (ii), (iii), (iv) or (v) below within two years following a Change in Control, then the Executive
shall be entitled to the benefits set forth in this Agreement in lieu of any termination, separation, severance or similar benefits under the Executive's Employment Agreement, if any, or under the
Company's termination, separation, severance or similar plans or policies, if any. If the Executive's employment is terminated for any of the reasons set forth in subparagraphs (i), (ii), (iii),
(iv) or (v) below, then the Executive shall not be entitled to any termination, separation, severance or similar benefits under this Agreement, and the Executive shall be entitled to
benefits under the Executive's Employment Agreement, if any, or under the Company's termination, separation, severance or similar plans or policies, if any, only in accordance with the terms of such
Employment Agreement, or such plans or policies. 

        (i)    termination
by reason of the Executive's death, provided the Executive has not previously given a
"Notice of Termination" pursuant to Section 4; 

        (ii)   termination
by reason of the Executive's "Disability," provided the
Executive has not previously given a "Notice of Termination" pursuant to Section 4; 

        (iii)  termination
by reason of "retirement" at or after age 65, provided the
Executive has not previously given "Notice of Termination" pursuant to Section 4; 

        (iv)  termination
by the Company for "Cause;" or 

2

 

        (v)   voluntary
termination by the Executive (other than for "Good Reason" as provided in section 3(b) below). 

        For
the purposes of this Agreement, "Disability" shall be defined as the Executive's inability by reason of illness or other physical or
mental disability to perform the principal duties required by the position held by the Executive at the inception of such illness or disability for any consecutive 180-day period. A
determination of disability shall be subject to the certification of a qualified medical doctor agreed to by the Company and the Executive or, in the Executive's incapacity to designate a doctor, the
Executive's legal representative. If the Company and the Executive cannot agree on the designation of a doctor, each party shall nominate a qualified medical doctor and the two doctors shall select a
third doctor and the third doctor shall make the determination as to disability. 

        For
purposes of this Agreement, "retirement" shall mean the Company's termination of the Executive's employment at or after the date on
which the Executive attains age 65. 

        For
purposes of this Agreement, "Cause" shall mean one or more of the following: 

        (I)   the
material violation of any of the terms and conditions of this Agreement or any written agreements the Executive may from time to time have with the Company (after
30 days following written notice from the Board specifying such material violation and Executive's failure to cure or remedy such material violation within such 30-day period); 

        (II)  inattention
to or failure to perform Executive's assigned duties and responsibilities competently for any reason other than due to Disability (after 30 days
following written notice from the Board specifying such inattention or failure, and Executive's failure to cure or remedy such inattention or failure within such 30-day period); 

        (III) engaging
in activities or conduct injurious to the reputation of the Company or its affiliates including, without limitation, engaging in immoral acts which become
public information or repeatedly conveying to one person, or conveying to an assembled public group, negative information concerning the Company or its affiliates; 

        (IV) commission
of an act of dishonesty, including, but not limited to, misappropriation of funds or any property of the Company; 

        (V)  commission
by the Executive of an act which constitutes a misdemeanor (involving an act of moral turpitude) or a felony; 

        (VI) the
material violation of any of the written Policies of the Company which are not inconsistent with this Agreement or applicable law (after 30 days following
written notice from the Board specifying such failure, and the Executive's failure to cure or remedy such inattention or failure within such 30-day period); 

        (VII) refusal
to perform the Executive's assigned duties and responsibilities or other insubordination (after 30 days following written notice from the Board
specifying such refusal or insubordination, and the Executive's failure to cure or remedy such refusal or insubordination within such 30-day period); or 

        (VIII) unsatisfactory
performance of duties by the Executive as a result of alcohol or drug use by the Executive. 

        (b)   The
Executive may terminate his employment with the Company following a Change in Control of the Company for "Good
Reason" by giving Notice of Termination at any time within two years after the Change in Control. Any failure by the Executive to give such immediate notice of termination for
Good Reason shall not be deemed to constitute a waiver or otherwise to affect adversely the rights of the Executive hereunder, provided the Executive
gives notice to receive such 

3

 

benefits
prior to the expiration of such two year period. If the Executive terminates his employment as provided in this Section 3(b), then the Executive shall be entitled to the benefits set
forth in this Agreement in lieu of any termination, separation, severance or similar benefits under the Executive's Employment Agreement, if any, or under the Company's termination, separation,
severance or similar plans or policies, if any. 

        For
purposes of this Agreement, "Good Reason" shall mean the occurrence of any one or more of the following events: 

        (I)   The
assignment to the Executive of any duties inconsistent in any material adverse respect with his position, authority or responsibilities with the Company and its
subsidiaries immediately prior to the Change in Control, or any other material adverse change in such position, including titles, authority, or responsibilities, as compared with the Executive's
position immediately prior to the Change in Control; 

        (II)  A
reduction by the Company in the amount of the Executive's base salary or annual or long term incentive compensation paid or payable as compared to that which was paid
or made available to Executive immediately prior to the Change in Control; or the failure of the Company to increase Executive's compensation each year by an amount which is substantially the same, on
a percentage basis, as the average annual percentage increase in the base salaries of other executives of comparable status with the Company; 

        (III) The
failure by the Company to continue to provide the Executive with substantially similar perquisites or benefits the Executive in the aggregate enjoyed under the
Company's benefit programs, such as any of the Company's pension, savings, vacation, life insurance, medical, health and accident, or disability plans in which he was participating at the time of the
Change in Control (or, alternatively, if such plans are amended, modified or discontinued, substantially similar equivalent benefits thereto, when considered in the aggregate), or the taking of any
action by the Company which would directly or indirectly cause such benefits to be no longer substantially equivalent, when considered in the aggregate, to the benefits in effect at the time of the
Change in Control; 

        (IV) The
Company's requiring the Executive to be based at any office or location more than 50 miles from that location at which he performed his services immediately prior
to the Change in Control, except for a relocation consented to in writing by the Executive, or travel reasonably required in the
performance of the Executive's responsibilities to the extent substantially consistent with the Executive's business travel obligations prior to the Change in Control; 

        (V)  Any
failure of the Company to obtain the assumption of the obligation to perform this Agreement by any successor as contemplated in Section 11 herein; or 

        (VI) Any
breach by the Company of any of the material provisions of this Agreement or any failure by the Company to carry out any of its obligations hereunder, in either
case, for a period of thirty business days after receipt of written notice from the Executive and the failure by the Company to cure such breach or failure during such thirty business day period. 

        4.     Notice of Termination

        Any
termination of the Executive's employment following a Change in Control, other than a termination as contemplated by Sections 3(a)(i) or 3(a)(iii) shall be communicated
by written "Notice of Termination" by the party affecting the termination to the other party hereto. Any "Notice of
Termination" shall set forth (a) the effective date of termination, which shall not be less than 15 or more than 30 days after the date the Notice of Termination
is delivered (the "Termination Date"); (b) the specific provision in this Agreement relied upon; and (c) in reasonable detail the facts
and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for such termination and the entitlement, or lack of 

4

 

entitlement,
to the benefits set forth in this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if within fifteen (15) days after any Notice of Termination is given, the party receiving such Notice of
Termination notifies the other party that a good faith dispute exists concerning the termination, the actual Termination Date shall be the date on which the dispute is finally determined in accordance
with the provisions of Section 18 hereof. In the case of any good faith dispute as to the Executive's entitlement to benefits under this Agreement resulting from any termination by the Company
for which the Company does not deliver a Notice of Termination, the actual Termination Date shall be the date on which the dispute is finally determined in accordance with the provisions of
Section 18 hereof. Notwithstanding the pendency of any such dispute referred to in the two preceding sentences, the Company shall continue to pay the Executive his full compensation then in
effect and continue the Executive as a participant in all compensation, benefits and perquisites in which he was then participating, until the dispute is finally resolved,  provided the Executive is
willing to continue to provide full time services to the Company and its subsidiaries in substantially the same position, if
so requested by the Company. Amounts paid under this Section 4 shall be in addition to all other amounts due under this Agreement and shall not be offset against or reduce any other amounts due
under this Agreement. If a final determination is made, pursuant to Section 18, that Good Reason did not exist in the case of a Notice of Termination by the Executive, the Executive shall have
the sole right to nullify and void his Notice of Termination by delivering written notice of same to the Company within three (3) business days of the date of such final determination. If the
parties do not dispute the Executive's entitlement to benefits hereunder, the Termination Date shall be as set forth in the Notice of Termination. 

        5.     Termination Benefits

        (a)   Severance Payment.    Subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, on the Termination Date the
Company shall pay the Executive (reduced by any applicable payroll or other taxes required to be withheld) a lump sum severance payment, in cash, equal to three (3) times the sum of Executive's
annual salary for the current year plus his annual incentive award target for the current year (provided that if the Notice of Termination is given prior to the determination of the Executive's salary
or annual incentive award target for the year in which the Termination Date occurs, the amounts shall be based on the annual salary for the prior year and the greater of the annual incentive award
target for the prior year or the actual incentive award earned by the Executive for the prior year). The current year shall be (A) for the purposes of determining annual salary, the year then
generally used by the Company for setting salaries for senior-level executives (currently April 1 through the following March 31), and (B) for purposes of determining annual
incentive award target, the fiscal year then generally used by the Company for setting annual incentive award targets for senior-level executives, in which the Termination Date occurs, and the prior
year shall be the twelve-month period immediately preceding the current year; 

        (b)   Expenses.    Reimbursement for expenses incurred by the Executive in accordance with the Company's policy but
not reimbursed prior to the date of such termination of employment; 

        (c)   Payment of Deferred Compensation.    Any compensation that has been earned by the Executive but is unpaid as of
the Termination Date, including any compensation that has been earned but deferred pursuant to the Company's Deferred Compensation Plan or otherwise, shall be paid in full to the Executive on the
Termination Date. 

        (d)   Key Employee Exception.    (Added March 9, 2005)
Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, to the extent the Executive is deemed a "key employee" for purposes of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended,
and notwithstanding any contrary provision which exists in any of the Company's deferred compensation plans, any distribution of deferred compensation to the Executive will be delayed for a period of
6 months after the Termination Date as required by Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. 

5

 

        6.     Other Benefits

        Subject
to the conditions set forth in this Agreement hereof, the following benefits (subject to any applicable payroll or other taxes required to be withheld) shall be paid or provided
to the Executive: 

        (a)   Health/Welfare Benefits

        (i)    During
the thirty-six (36) months following the Termination Date (the "Continuation Period"), the
Company shall continue to keep in full force and effect all programs of medical, dental, vision, accident, disability, life insurance, including optional term life insurance, and other similar health
or welfare programs with respect to the Executive and his dependents with the same level of coverage, upon the same terms and otherwise to the same extent as such programs shall have been in effect
immediately prior to the Termination Date (or, if more favorable to the Executive, immediately prior to the Change in Control), and the Company and the Executive shall share the costs of the
continuation of such insurance coverage in the same proportion as such costs were shared immediately prior to the Termination Date (or, if more favorable to the Executive, immediately prior to the
Change in Control) or, if the terms of such programs do not permit continued participation by the Executive (or if the Company otherwise determines it advisable to amend, modify or discontinue such
programs for employees generally), the Company shall otherwise provide benefits substantially similar to and no less favorable to the Executive in terms of cost or benefits
("Equivalent Benefits") than he was entitled to receive at the end of the period of coverage, for the duration of the Continuation Period. 

        (ii)   All
benefits which the Company is required by this Section 6(a) to provide, which will not be provided by the Company's programs described herein, shall be
provided through the purchase of insurance unless the Executive is uninsurable. If the Executive is uninsurable, the Company will provide the benefits out of its general assets. 

        (iii)  If
the Executive obtains other employment during the Continuation Period which provides health or welfare benefits of the type described in
Section 6(a)(i) hereof ("Other Coverage"), then Executive shall notify the Company promptly of such other employment and Other Coverage
and the Company shall thereafter not provide the Executive and his dependents the benefits described in Section 6(a)(i) hereof to the extent that such benefits are provided under the
Other Coverage. Under such circumstances, the Executive shall make all claims first under the Other Coverage and then, only to the extent not paid or reimbursed by the Other Coverage, under the plans
and programs described in Section 6(a)(i) hereof. 

        (b)   Retirement Benefits

        (i)    For
purposes of this Agreement, "Retirement" shall mean the Company's termination of the Executive's employment within
two years following a Change in Control of the Company and at or after the date on which the Executive attains age 65; provided, however, that any termination for Cause or due to Death or Disability
shall not constitute Retirement. 

        (ii)   Subject
to Section 6(b)(ii), the Executive shall be deemed to be completely vested under the Company's 401(k) Plan, Deferred Compensation Plan or other similar
or successor plans which are in effect as of the date of the Change in Control (collectively, the "Plans"), regardless of the Executive's actual vesting
service credit thereunder. 

        (iii)  Any
part of the foregoing retirement benefits which are otherwise required to be paid by a tax-qualified Plan but which cannot be paid through such Plan by
reason of the laws and regulations applicable to such Plan, shall be paid by one or more supplemental non-qualified Plans or by the Company. 

6

  

        (iv)  The
payments calculated hereunder which are not actually paid by a Plan shall be paid thirty (30) days following the Date of Termination in a single lump sum
cash payment (of equivalent actuarial value to the payment calculated hereunder using the same actuarial assumptions as are used in calculating benefits under the Plan but using the discount rate that
would be used by the Company on the Date of Termination to determine the actuarial present value of projected benefit obligations). 

        (c)   Executive Outplacement Counseling. During the Continuation Period, unless the Executive shall reach normal retirement age
during the Continuation Period, the Executive may request in writing and the Company shall at its expense engage within a reasonable time following such written request an outplacement counseling
service to assist the Executive in obtaining employment. 

        (d)   (Amended May 7, 2002) This Section 6(d) is intentionally omitted. 

        7.     Payment of Certain Costs

        Except
as otherwise provided in Section 18, if a dispute arises regarding a termination of the Executive or the interpretation or enforcement of this Agreement, subsequent to a
Change in Control, all of the reasonable legal fees and expenses incurred by the Executive and all Arbitration Costs (as hereafter defined) in contesting any such termination or obtaining or enforcing
all or part of any right or benefit provided for in this Agreement or in otherwise pursuing all or part of his claim will be paid by the Company, unless prohibited by law. The Company further agrees
to pay pre-judgment interest on any money judgment obtained by the Executive calculated at the prime interest rate reported in The Wall Street
Journal in effect from time to time from the date that payment to his should have been made under this Agreement. 

        8.     Excise Tax Payments.

        (a)   Notwithstanding
anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, in the event that any payment (within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(2) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended or replaced (the "Code")), or distribution to or for the benefit of the Executive, whether paid or payable or
distributed or distributable pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise in connection with, or arising out of, his employment with the Company (a
"Payment" or "Payments"), would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code
or any interest or penalties are incurred by the Executive with respect to such excise tax (such excise tax, interest and penalties collectively referred to as the "Excise
Tax"), the Executive shall be entitled to receive an additional payment (a "Gross-up Payment") in an amount such
that after payment by the Executive
of all such taxes (including any interest or penalties imposed with respect to such taxes), including any Excise Tax imposed upon the Gross-Up Payment, the Executive retains an amount of
the Gross-Up Payment equal to the Excise Tax imposed upon the Payments; provided, that the Executive shall not be entitled to receive any
additional payment relating to any interest or penalties attributable to any action or omission by the Executive in bad faith. 

        (b)   An
initial determination shall be made by an accounting firm mutually agreeable to the Company and the Executive and, if not agreed to within three days after the Date
of Termination, a national independent accounting firm selected by the Executive (the "Accounting Firm"), as to whether a Gross-Up Payment
is required pursuant to this Section 8 and the amount of such Gross-Up Payment. To permit the Accounting Firm to make the initial determination the Company shall furnish the
Accounting Firm with all information reasonably required for such firm to complete such determination as soon as practicable after the Date of Termination, but in no event more than fifteen
(15) days thereafter. All fees, costs and expenses (including, but not limited to, the cost of retaining experts) of the Accounting Firm shall be borne by the Company and the Company shall pay
such fees, costs and expense as they become due. The Accounting Firm shall provide detailed supporting calculations, reasonable acceptable both to the Company and the 

7

 

Executive
within thirty (30) days of the Date of Termination, if applicable, or such other time as requested by the Company or by the Executive (provided the Executive reasonably believes that
any of the Payments may be subject to the Excise Tax). The Gross-Up Payment, if any, as determined pursuant to this Section 8(b) shall be paid by the Company to the Executive within
five (5) business days of the receipt of the Accounting Firm's determination. If the Accounting Firm determines that no Excise Tax is payable by the Executive with respect to a Payment or
Payments, it shall furnish the Executive with an opinion reasonably satisfactory to the Executive that no Excise Tax will be imposed with respect to any such Payment or payments. Any such initial
determination by the Accounting Firm of the Gross-Up Payment shall be binding upon the Company and the Executive subject to the application of Section 8(c). 

        (c)   As
a result of the uncertainty in the application of Sections 4999 and 280G of the Code, it is possible that a Gross-Up Payment (or a portion thereof) will
be paid which should not have been paid (an "Overpayment") or a Gross-Up Payment (or a portion thereof) which should have been paid will not
have been (an "Underpayment"). An Underpayment shall be deemed to have occurred upon a "Final Determination" (as hereinafter defined) that the tax
liability of the Executive (whether in respect of the then current taxable year of the Executive or in respect of any prior taxable year of the Executive) will be increased by reason of the imposition
of the Excise Tax on a Payment or payments with respect to which the Company has failed to make a sufficient Gross-Up Payment. An Overpayment shall be deemed to have occurred upon a
"Final Determination" (as hereinafter defined) that the Excise Tax shall not be imposed (or shall be reduced) upon a Payment or Payments with respect to
which the Executive had previously received a Gross-Up Payment. A Final Determination shall be deemed to have occurred when (i) in the case of an Overpayment, the Executive has
received from the applicable governmental taxing authority a refund of taxes or other reduction in his tax liability imposed as a result of a Payment will be increased, and (ii) in the case of
an Overpayment or an Underpayment, upon either (x) the date a determination is made by, or an agreement is entered into with, the applicable governmental taxing authority which finally and
conclusively binds the Executive and such taxing authority, or in the event
that a claim is brought before a court of competent jurisdiction, the date upon which a final determination has been made by such court and either all appeals have been taken and finally resolved or
the time for all appeals has expired or (y) the statute of limitations with respect to the Executive's applicable tax return has expired. If an Underpayment occurs, the Executive shall promptly
notify the company and the Company shall promptly pay to the Executive an additional Gross-Up Payment equal o the amount of the Underpayment plus any interest and penalties imposed on the
Underpayment (other than interest and penalties attributable to any action or omission by the Executive in bad faith). If an Overpayment occurs, the amount of the Overpayment shall be treated as a
loan by the Company to the Executive and the executive shall, within ten (10) business days of the occurrence of such Overpayment, pay the Company the amount of the Overpayment, with interest
computed in the same manner as for an Underpayment. 

        (d)   Notwithstanding
anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, in the event it is determined that an Excise Tax will be imposed on any Payment or payments, the
Company shall pay to the applicable governmental taxing authorities as Excise Tax withholding, the amount of the Excise Tax that the Company has actually withheld from the Payment or Payments. 

        9.     Mitigation

        The
Executive is not required to seek other employment or otherwise mitigate the amount of any payments to be made by the Company pursuant to this Agreement, and employment by the
Executive will not reduce or otherwise affect any amounts or benefits due the Executive pursuant to this Agreement, except as otherwise provided in Section 6(a)(iii). 

8

 

        10.   Continuing Obligations Regarding Confidential Information

        (a)    Acknowledgments by the Executive.    The Executive hereby recognizes and acknowledges the following: 

        (i)    In
connection with the Business, the Company has expended a great deal of time, money and effort to develop and maintain the secrecy and confidentiality of substantial
proprietary trade secret information and other confidential business information which, if misused or disclosed, could be very harmful to the Company's business. 

        (ii)   The
Executive desires to become entitled to receive the benefits contemplated by this Agreement but which the Company would not make available to the Executive but for
the Executive's signing and agreeing to abide by the terms of this Section 10. 

        (iii)  The
Executive's position with the Company provides the Executive with access to certain of the Company's confidential and proprietary trade secret information and
other confidential business information. 

        (iv)  The
Company compensates its employees to, among other things, develop and preserve business information for the Company's ownership and use. 

        (v)   If
the Executive were to leave the Company, the Company in all fairness would need certain protection in order to ensure that the Executive does not appropriate and
misuse any confidential information entrusted to the Executive during the course of the Executive's employment with the Company. 

        (b)    Confidential Information    

        (i)    The
Executive agrees to keep secret and confidential, and not to use or disclose to any third parties, except as directly required for the Executive to perform the
Executive's employment responsibilities for the Company, or except as required by law, any of the Company's confidential and proprietary trade secret information or other confidential business
information concerning the Company's business acquired by the Executive during the course of, or in connection with, the Executive's employment with the Company (and which was not known by the
Executive prior to the Executive's being hired by the Company). Confidential information means information which would constitute material, nonpublic information under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, regardless of whether the Executive's use or disclosure of such information is in connection with or related to a securities
transaction. 

        (ii)   The
Executive acknowledges that any and all notes, records, reports, written information or documents of any kind, computer files and diskettes and other documents
obtained by or provided to the Executive, or otherwise made, produced or compiled during the course of the Executive's employment with the Company, regardless of the type of medium in which it is
preserved, are the sole and exclusive property of the Company and shall be surrendered to the Company upon the Executive's termination of employment and on demand at any time by the Company. 

        (c)   Acknowledgment Regarding Restrictions.    The Executive recognizes and agrees that the provisions of this
Section 10 are reasonable and enforceable because, among other things, (i) the Executive is receiving compensation under this Agreement and (ii) this Section 10 therefore
does not impose any undue hardship on the Executive. The Executive further recognizes and agrees that the provisions of this Section 10 are reasonable and enforceable in view of the Company's
legitimate interests in protecting its confidential information. 

9

 

        (d)   Breach.    In the event of a breach of Section 10(b), the Company's sole remedy shall be the
discontinuation of the payment, allocation, accrual or provision of any amounts or benefits as provided in Sections 5 or 6. The Executive recognizes and agrees, however, that it is the intent of the
parties that neither this Agreement nor any of its provisions shall be construed to adversely affect any rights or remedies that Company would have had, including, without limitation, the amount of
any damages for which it could have sought recovery, had this Agreement not been entered into. Accordingly, the parties hereby agree that nothing stated in this Section 10 shall limit or
otherwise affect the Company's right to seek legal or equitable remedies it may otherwise have, or the amount of damages for which it may seek recovery, in connection with matters covered by this
Section 10 but which are not based on breach or violation of this Section 10 (including, without limitation, claims based on the breach of fiduciary or other duties of the Executive or
any obligations of the Executive arising under any other contracts, agreements or understandings). Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, nothing in this Section 10 or any other
provision of this Agreement shall limit or otherwise affect the Company's right to seek legal or equitable remedies it may otherwise have, or the amount of damages for which it may seek recovery,
resulting from or arising out of statutory or common law or any Company policies relating to fiduciary duties, confidential information or trade secrets. Further, the Executive acknowledges and agrees
that the fact that Section 10(c) is limited to the Continuation Period, and that the sole remedy of the Company hereunder is the discontinuation of benefits, shall not reduce or otherwise alter
any other contractual or other legal obligations of the Executive during any period or circumstance, and shall not be construed as establishing a maximum limit on damages for which the Company may
seek recovery. 

        11.   Binding Agreement; Successors

        (a)   This
Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the Company and its successors and assigns. The Company shall require any successor (whether
direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company, by agreement to assume expressly and agree to perform
this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place. For purposes of this Agreement,
"Company" shall mean the Company as hereinbefore defined and any successor to its business and/or assets as aforesaid. 

        (b)   This
Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the Executive and the Executive's personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators,
successors, heirs, distributees, beneficiaries, devises and legatees. If the Executive should die while any amounts are payable to him
hereunder, all such amounts, unless otherwise provided herein, shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement to the Executive's devisee, legatee, beneficiary or other designee or, if
there be no such designee, to the Executive's estate. 

        12.   Notices (Amended March 9, 2005) 

        For
the purposes of this Agreement, notices and all other communications provided for herein shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given (i) on the date of
delivery if delivered by hand, (ii) on the date of transmission, if delivered by confirmed facsimile, (iii) on the first business day following the date of deposit if delivered by
guaranteed overnight delivery service, or (iv) on the third business day following the date delivered or mailed by United States registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage
prepaid, addressed as follows: 

        If
to the Executive: 

Roy
G. Krause

1218 Ponce De Leon Drive

Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316-1363 

10

 

        If
to the Company: 

Spherion
Corporation

2050 Spectrum Boulevard

Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309 

        Attention:
General Counsel 

or
to such other address as either party may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith, except that notices of change of address shall be effective only upon receipt. 

        13.   Governing Law

        The
validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Florida, without regard to principles of conflicts of laws. 

        14.   Miscellaneous

        No
provisions of this Agreement may be amended, modified, waived or discharged unless such amendment, waiver, modification or discharge is agreed to in writing signed by the Executive
and the Company. No agreements or representations, oral or otherwise, express or implied, with respect to the subject matter hereof have been made by either party which are not set forth expressly in
this Agreement. Section headings contained herein are for convenience of reference only and shall not affect the interpretation of this Agreement. 

        15.   Counterparts

        This
Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but all of which will constitute one and the same instrument. 

        16.   Non-Assignability

        This
Agreement is personal in nature and neither of the parties hereto shall, without the consent of the other, assign, or transfer this Agreement or any rights or obligations hereunder,
except as provided in Section 11. Without limiting the foregoing, the Executive's right to receive payments hereunder shall not be assignable or transferable, whether by pledge, creation of a
security interest or otherwise, other than a transfer by his will or trust or by the laws of descent or distribution, and in the event of any attempted assignment or transfer contrary to this
paragraph the Company shall have no liability to pay any amount so attempted to be assigned or transferred. 

        17.   Term of Agreement

        The
term of this Agreement (the "Term") shall commence on the date hereof and shall continue in effect for a period of three
(3) years, unless further extended or sooner terminated as hereinafter provided. At the end of this three year period and on the first day of each one-year anniversary thereafter,
the Term shall automatically be extended for one additional year unless either party shall have given notice to the other party, at least six months prior to such anniversary that it does not wish to
extend the Term. However, if a Change in Control of the Company shall have occurred during the original or any extended term of this Agreement, this Agreement shall continue in effect for a period of
twenty-four (24) months beyond the month in which such Change in Control occurred; and, provided further, that if the Company shall
become obligated to make any payments or provide any benefits pursuant to Section 5 or 6 hereof, this Agreement shall continue for the period necessary to make such payments or provide such
benefits. 

        18.   Resolution of Disputes

        (a)   The
parties hereby agree to submit any claim, demand, dispute, charge or cause of action (in any such case, a "Claim")
arising out of, in connection with, or relating to this Change in Control Agreement to binding arbitration in conformance with the J*A*M*S/ENDISPUTE Streamlined Arbitration Rules and Procedures or the
J*A*M*S/ ENDISPUTE Comprehensive Arbitration Rules and Procedures, as applicable, but expressly excluding Rule 28 of the J*A*M*S/ 

11

 

ENDISPUTE
Streamlined Rules and Rule 32 of the J*A*M*S/ENDISPUTE Comprehensive Rules, as the case may be. All arbitration procedures shall be held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and shall be
subject to the choice of law provisions set forth in Section 13 of this Agreement. 

        (b)   In
the event of any dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement for which any party is seeking injunctive relief, specific performance or other equitable
relief, such matter may be resolved by litigation. Accordingly, the parties shall submit such matter to the exclusive jurisdiction of the United States District Court for the Southern District of
Florida or, if jurisdiction is not available therein, any other court located in Broward County, Florida, and hereby waive any and all objections to such jurisdiction or venue that they may have. Each
party agrees that process may be served upon such party in any manner authorized under the laws of the United States or Florida, and waives any objections that such party may otherwise have to such
process. 

        19.   Release and Conditions

        Any
and all payments and benefits provided by the Company to the Executive under this Agreement shall be conditioned on the following: (i) Executive's continued compliance with
the confidentiality provisions contained herein; (ii) the Executive's execution of a full release and settlement of any and all claims against the Company; and (iii) the Executive's
execution of a non-disparagement agreement and continued compliance therewith. 

        20.   No Setoff

        The
Company shall have no right of setoff or counterclaim in respect of any claim, debt or obligation against any payment provided for in this Agreement. 

        21.   Non-Exclusivity of Rights

        Nothing
in this Agreement shall prevent or limit the Executive's continuing or future participation in any benefit, bonus, incentive or other plan or program provided by the Company or
any of its subsidiaries or successors and for which the Executive may qualify, nor shall anything herein limit or reduce such rights as the Executive may have under any other agreements with the
Company or any of its subsidiaries or successors, except to the extent payments are made pursuant to Section 5, they shall be in lieu of any termination, separation, severance or similar
payments pursuant to the Executive's Employment Agreement, if any, and the Company's then existing termination, separation, severance or similar plans or policies, if any. Amounts which are vested
benefits or which the Executive is otherwise entitled to receive under any plan or program of the Company or any of its subsidiaries shall be payable in accordance with such plan or program, except as
explicitly modified by this Agreement. 

        22.   No Guaranteed Employment

        The
Executive and the Company acknowledge that this Agreement shall not confer upon the Executive any right to continued employment and shall not interfere with the right of the Company
to terminate the employment of the Executive at any time. 

        23.   Invalidity of Provisions

        In
the event that any provision of this Agreement is adjudicated to be invalid or unenforceable under applicable law in any jurisdiction, the validity or enforceability of the remaining
provisions thereof shall be unaffected as to such jurisdiction and such adjudication shall not affect the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction. To the extent that any
provision of this Agreement, including, without limitation, Section 10 hereof, is adjudicated to be invalid or unenforceable because it is overbroad, that provision shall not be void but rather
shall be limited to the extent required by applicable law and enforced as so limited. The parties expressly acknowledge and agree that this Section 23 is reasonable in view of the parties'
respective interests. 

        24.   Non-Waiver of Rights

        The
failure by the Company or the Executive to enforce at any time any of the provisions of this Agreement or to require at any time performance by the other party of any of the
provisions hereof 

12

 

shall
in no way be construed to be a waiver of such provisions or to affect either the validity of this Agreement, or any part hereof, or the right of the Company or the Executive thereafter to
enforce each and every provision in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. 

        25.   Employment Agreement. 

        If
the Executive has an Employment Agreement with the Company, and if circumstances arise which cause both the Employment Agreement and this Agreement to apply to the Company and the
Executive, then, to the extent of any inconsistency between the provisions of this Agreement and the Employment Agreement, the terms of this Agreement alone shall apply. However, if this Agreement
does not apply, then the provisions of the Employment Agreement shall control and be unaffected by this Agreement. 

        26.   Unfunded Plan. 

        The
Company's obligations under this Agreement shall be entirely unfunded until payments are made hereunder from the general assets of the Company, and no provision shall be made to
segregate assets of the Company for payments to be made under this Agreement. The Executive shall have no interest in any particular assets of the Company but rather shall have only the rights of a
general unsecured creditor of the Company. 

        PLEASE NOTE: BY SIGNING THIS AGREEMENT, THE EXECUTIVE IS HEREBY CERTIFYING THAT THE EXECUTIVE (A) HAS RECEIVED A COPY OF THIS
AGREEMENT FOR REVIEW AND STUDY BEFORE EXECUTING IT; (B) HAS READ THIS AGREEMENT CAREFULLY BEFORE SIGNING IT; (C) HAS HAD SUFFICIENT OPPORTUNITY BEFORE SIGNING THE AGREEMENT TO ASK ANY
QUESTIONS THE EXECUTIVE HAS ABOUT THE AGREEMENT AND HAS RECEIVED SATISFACTORY ANSWERS TO ALL SUCH QUESTIONS; AND (D) UNDERSTANDS THE EXECUTIVE'S RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE
AGREEMENT.

        THIS AGREEMENT IN SECTION 18 CONTAINS A BINDING ARBITRATION PROVISION WHICH MAY BE ENFORCED BY THE PARTIES.

[signatures
appear on the following page] 

13

 

        IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Change in Control Agreement to be executed and delivered as of the day and year first above set forth. 

	 	 	SPHERION CORPORATION
	

 	
 	

By:	
 	

/s/  LISA G. IGLESIAS      

	 	 	Name:	 	Lisa G. Iglesias

	 	 	Title:	 	Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary

	

 	
 	
EXECUTIVE
	

 	
 	

By:	
 	

/s/  ROY G. KRAUSE      

	 	 	Name:	 	ROY G. KRAUSE

        *
This document is a compilation of Mr. Krause's original change in control agreement as well as several amendments thereto. It is being presented in this format in order to
assist the reader. 

14

QuickLinks

RESTATED CHANGE IN CONTROL AGREEMENT* (as amended through March 9, 2005)

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