If a user leaves your organization and you want to continue to retain or hold their data with Google Vault, assign an Archived User license to the user. For instructions, go to Manage former employees and their data.
Do not delete the account. If you delete a user, you also delete that user's Google Workspace data, including data held or retained by Vault. Learn more
Does Vault preserve data for suspended accounts?
Yes, Vault preserves data for suspended accounts. If a user has left your organization, assign an Archived User license to them instead of, or shortly after, suspending their account. Suspended accounts are billed the same as active accounts.