(Updated) Microsoft Viva: Viva Glint - Configure data retention policy for Viva Glint

(Updated) Microsoft Viva: Viva Glint - Configure data retention policy for Viva Glint

Viva Glint introduces a self-service data retention policy allowing admins to set survey data retention from 6 to 1000 months. Data is deleted irreversibly after the retention period, with all changes logged. Rollout completes by July 2026, supporting compliance and data governance needs.

2026-06-26T17:25:17.870Z

Updated message,New feature,User impact,Admin impact

<p>Updated June 26, 2026: We have updated the content and timeline. Thank you for your patience.&nbsp;</p><p><b>[What and Why:]</b></p><p>To support enterprise data governance and compliance requirements, Viva Glint will introduce a self‑service data retention policy for survey data. This enhancement enables Glint service administrators to define how long survey data is retained in their tenant, helping organizations align Viva Glint with internal retention policies and regulatory obligations while maintaining control over employee experience insights.</p><p>This update aligns with Microsoft’s Enterprise‑ready AI commitment by improving data lifecycle management, auditability, and compliance controls across Viva Glint.</p><p>This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID <a href="https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&amp;searchterms=560551" target="_blank">560551</a>.</p><p><b>[Rollout Schedule:]</b></p><p> General Availability (Worldwide, GCC): We have begun rolling out and expect to complete by <b>end of July 2026</b>.</p> <p><b>[Impact on Your Organization:]</b></p> <ul> </ul><p><b>Who is affected:</b> Viva Glint service administrators and organizations using Viva Glint surveys</p><p><b>Platforms/Services:</b> </p><ul><li>Viva Glint (Web)</li><li>Microsoft Viva&nbsp;</li></ul><p><b>What will happen:</b></p><p> </p><ul> </ul> <p></p><ul><li>A new <b>self‑service data retention policy setting</b> will be available in the Viva Glint admin experience.</li><li>By default, <b>Glint data is retained indefinitely</b> as long as the tenant has an active Viva Glint subscription.</li><li>Admins can configure a <b>numerical retention period (in months)</b>:<ul><li>Minimum: <b>6 months</b></li><li>Maximum: <b>1000 months</b></li></ul></li><li>The retention policy applies to:<ul><li><b style="">Engagement surveys (Recurring, Ad‑hoc, Lifecycle) </b>will be evaluated for retention based on the <b style="">survey cycle end date</b>, once the survey cycle is in a <b style="">Completed </b>state.</li><li><b>Always on</b> <b>surveys</b>, based on <b>survey response date</b></li><li><b>360 surveys</b> are subject to retention based on the <b>feedback cycle effective due date</b> (the latest subject due date, or the cycle due date if no subjects exist).</li><li><b>Focus Areas &amp; Goals</b> based on <b>due date</b></li></ul></li><li>Data retention policy also applies to historical imports. If the historical data being imported is older than the data retention policy in place, that imported data will be deleted shortly after the import finishes.</li><li>When the retention period is met:<ul><li>Applicable Glint survey data is <b>permanently deleted and this action is irreversible</b></li><li>Deleted data <b>cannot be recovered</b></li></ul></li><li>All changes and deletions are:<ul><li>Logged in the <b>Glint Audit Log</b></li><li>Planned to be logged in <b>Microsoft 365 Unified Audit Logs</b> in a future release</li></ul></li></ul><p><b>[Action Required / Recommendations:]</b></p><ul></ul><p></p> <ul> </ul><p><b>No action is required</b> if your organization does not have a Glint data retention policy.</p><p>If your organization has data retention requirements:</p><ul> <li>Review internal compliance policies and configure retention settings after release if required.</li> <li>If you already have a retention policy configured:<ul><li>Existing settings will be carried forward to the new self‑service experience.</li><li>Any data exceeding the configured retention period <b>may be deleted</b>.</li><li>If you need to modify your existing policy <b>before </b>self‑service is available, submit a <b><a href="https://learn.microsoft.com/troubleshoot/viva/glint/contact-support/get-support-viva-glint#submit-a-support-request" target="_blank">Viva Glint support request</a></b>.</li></ul></li> <li>Communicate this update to Glint Service Administrators, Employee Listening stakeholders, HR, Compliance, or employee experience stakeholders, as applicable.</li><li>Update internal documentation related to survey data retention.</li></ul><p><b>Learn more:</b></p><ul><li>Data retention policy -&nbsp;<a href="https://learn.microsoft.com/viva/glint/setup/data-residency-for-viva-glint#how-long-is-my-viva-glint-data-stored-for" target="_blank">Data residency for Viva Glint | Microsoft Learn</a></li><li>How long is my Viva Glint data stored for? -&nbsp;<a href="https://learn.microsoft.com/viva/glint/setup/manage-general-settings#user-data" target="_blank">Manage General Settings in Viva Glint | Microsoft Learn</a></li></ul><p><b>[Compliance considerations:]</b></p> <table border="1" cellpadding="6" cellspacing="0"> <tbody><tr> <td><b>Area</b></td> <td><b>Explanation</b></td> </tr> <tr> <td>Retention policies, holds, or deletion workflows</td> <td>This update introduces a configurable data retention policy that determines when Viva Glint survey data is permanently deleted based on an administrator-defined timeframe.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Audit logging capabilities</td> <td>All changes to the data retention policy and resulting survey data deletions are logged in the Viva Glint Audit Log, with future support planned for Microsoft 365 Unified Audit Logs.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>How customer data is processed or stored</td> <td>Existing Viva Glint survey data, Focus Areas, and Goals may be deleted when the configured retention period is met, changing how long customer data is stored within the service.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Admin controls</td> <td>Viva Glint service administrators can configure and manage the data retention period through the Viva Glint admin experience.</td> </tr> </tbody></table>