A recent survey conducted by Wells Fargo and Gallup Small Business suggests small business owners have a more optimistic outlook on job growth, with 22% of respondents indicating they expect to hire new employees in the next year. Although 8% plan to slash jobs in the coming 12 months, the past two quarters have demonstrated a marginal upward trend in hiring among the 600 small business owners polled.

The survey revealed that small business owners list trouble finding skilled workers to fill positions as a main obstacle, with 21% of respondents agreeing it is “very” difficult to find such employees. The same percentage of entrepreneurs also believes this lack of skilled workers is harming their business. For those still seeking new employees, many are turning to temporary or contract workers: 72% would prefer to employ these short-termers over full-time staff.

The hiring numbers in the Gallup poll are similar to findings from the Chamber’s quarterly Small Business Outlook Survey released in January. The latter survey of 1,332 small business owners—conducted from December 30, 2011 to January 6, 2012—indicated that two-thirds of small business owners have no plans to hire in 2012. Just 19% reported plans to hire, and 11% intend to reduce their workforce. Small business owners surveyed by the Chamber said getting Washington regulators and legislators out of the way was a precursor to increased optimism and hiring.

What about your small business? Are you planning to hire this year or does the recession still have you cutting costs? Tell us in the comments below.