It can be challenging for employees to speak up — particularly for the person who is or was the target of wrongdoing. Responsibility for reporting bad behavior doesn't just lie with the target, said Julie Stickney, vice president, human resources for Cobham, an aerospace manufacturer. Everybody plays a role in making the environment a safe place to work, she said. It helps to invite everyone to be responsible for encouraging that safety, she said. It empowers employees to know they have ways to make the environment better, she added.

New York increased accountability for its employers when it mandated bystander intervention guidance in sexual harassment training, which allows co-workers to get practical advice on harassment, bullying and creating a culture of zero-tolerance in the workplace. The role of the bystander shouldn't be overlooked, Polefrone said. "If I see something going on and I know it's bad and wrong, but I'm hiding it, then I'm allowing it."

Although the employee and colleagues should speak up when they see bad behavior, the ultimate responsibility rests on the organization, said David Moore, employment attorney at Laner Muchin. The employer must create a culture where people feel safe making a complaint, he said. That means that the company takes the complaint seriously, is respectful, investigates promptly, provides thorough corrective action if needed and that the employee has no worries about retaliation, he said.