Which term best describes hours in active pay status?

The term that best describes hours in active pay status is "Working hours." Working hours refer specifically to the time an employee is logged in and performing job duties for which they are compensated. This can include regular hours during which the employee is assigned tasks, as well as any additional time worked beyond a standard shift if they are eligible for pay.

Other terms, while they may relate to employee schedules or flexibility in hours, do not specifically encompass the concept of being in active pay status. For example, "Operational hours" typically refers to the time the organization is functioning or open for business, rather than the specific time an employee is working and earning pay. "Scheduled hours" can suggest a predetermined timetable for when an employee is expected to work, but it doesn’t guarantee that they are currently active and engaged in work tasks at that moment. "Flexible hours" usually involves variations in work schedules that allow employees to choose when to work within certain parameters, but this term does not directly address the pay status of the hours worked.

Thus, "Working hours" distinctly captures the essence of being in a state of active engagement where employees are receiving compensation for their labor.