There is a known issue when trying to update anything with the res.partner (contacts) module or the users module. You need to start the service with the upgrade parameter for the module you are adding fields to it so that it upgrades at the same time it starts.
This can be accomplished by logging into the server via SSH, then stopping the service that you want to upgrade. Then running the following command after going to the folder of either:
Production: /opt/odoo11
Staging: /opt/odoo11new
Once in the folder use the following command:
Production:
sudo -u odoo11 ./odoo-bin -c /etc/odoo11.conf -d db_name_here -u module_name_here
Staging:
sudo -u odoo11new ./odoo-bin -c /etc/odoo11new.conf -d db_name_here -u module_name_here
This will start a new service/instance of odoo and then you can login through the website to upgrade the module through the app list.
Then you can stop the running service in the cmd prompt with CTRL + C and then start the normal odoo instance with "service odoo11/odoo11new start"
Things to remember: sudo -u (username)
you don't have to specify database if you only have one database