More than half of U.S. CEOs plan to increase their headcount over the next 12 months, according to the results of PwC’s 14th annual global CEO survey. Fifty-five percent of U.S. CEOs participating in the PwC survey said they plan to hire more staff in the next year, though they but are concerned they may not have access to people with the right skills.

According to the survey, 56 percent of U.S. CEOs cite a lack of the right skills as their biggest talent challenge. Meanwhile, 75 percent of U.S. CEOs plan “some or major change” to their firm’s talent management strategy over the next 12 months.

“The ‘war for talent’ is not just a numbers game – it means finding, retaining and motivating employees whose skills fit the company’s strategy,” said Ed Boswell, U.S. Advisory People and Change practice leader at PwC. “As the economy is gradually showing signs of improvement, companies are putting their emphasis on their people.”

Those talent strategies are likely to focus on motivating and deploying staff, according to the survey.

PwC refers to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, a member firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers International Ltd.

A copy of the survey report can be downloaded at www.pwc.com/ceosurvey.