A 'new' workplace landscape in the higher education sector leads to employees questioning their fit within the current organisation. This paper presents the findings of an organisational climate study within a South African Higher Education Institution and highlights multi-generational perspectives. The theoretical contribution of this paper is a confirmation of the multi-level as well as the interactionistic nature of the macro (organisational climate), the meso (P-O fit) and micro (turnover intention) variables, as impacted on by the differences between the generational categories. Findings suggest that when thinking of leaving the employ of the university, Generation X considers the congruence between the demands of the job and compensation whereas Generation Y and Baby Boomers consider complementary fit and treatment by the direct manager as instrumental. The study is concluded with practical recommendations to reduce employees' turnover intention to ensure a productive and effective workforce.